Former Life Member. Violin
(3/23/1917 – 8/14/2015)

by Lyn Miller, daughter

Roberta “Bobbie” Nowlin, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord, Aug. 14, 2015.

Bobbie was born in Peoria, Illinois, March 23, 1917, to Odell and Clara Groninger. At age 2, the family moved to California and settled in the Arcadia/Monrovia area where Bobbie grew up, graduating from Monrovia High School. Bobbie began violin lessons at age 8, becoming an accomplished musician. In 1940, Bobbie, representing Illinois, was one of 100 young musicians from across the United States chosen to participate in the All American Youth Orchestra Good Will Tour to South America under the baton of renowned conductor Leopold Stokowski. She went on to become concertmistress of the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra under conductors Reginald Bland and Dr. Richard Lert, a position she held for 20 years. During her career she played with many orchestras including Ralph Carmichael, Melody Land and the Laguna Art and Opera Festivals; toured with Clebanoff Strings; and taught violin privately, with Elizabeth Mills in Pasadena and with the USC School of Performing Arts.

In 1940, Bobbie married Ray Nowlin, first bassoonist in the Pasadena Symphony and orchestra musician for 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros. Their orchestra romance headlined several human-interest stories in local newspapers. They made beautiful music together for 38 years until Ray’s untimely death in 1978.

In 1980, Bobbie decided to move to Dana Point where she completely redesigned a beach house that had been in the family. There she made a wonderful life for herself, making many new friends, traveling and enjoying a variety of activities. She continued to teach violin and participate in orchestras and musical groups. She also enjoyed playing in the bell choir at her church. She retired from the music profession in her late seventies.

In addition to her music, Bobbie was very creative and enjoyed sewing, millinery, decorating, upholstering and crafts. She also enjoyed camping and many summers were spent at the beach or the mountains. Throughout her life, her faith and relationship with the Lord was her light and strength. She loved her family and was a wonderful, caring Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She is survived by her three children: daughters, Lynell Miller (Robert), Annette Hauth (Russell) and son, Stephen Nowlin (Anne), 10 grand-children and 13 great-grandchildren. Mom, you are greatly loved and greatly missed.

If you would like to share your memories of Roberta, you are invited to send an email to the family.