Donor Spotlight: JB Fowler & Wilnoree Holt

When JB Fowler and Wilnoree Holt met in the fourth grade in Ash Flat, Arkansas, no one would have imagined their love story would span the next 77 years. Following high school, the love birds married and started their amazing adventure. Both JB and Willie were the youngest children of large families yet decided to leave all they knew and head to California to find work in the fruit orchards. Once in California, a friend from Arkansas, encouraged them to come to Washington, so they packed up their belongings and drove to God’s country and landed in Monitor, Washington. It was during their time in Monitor, they welcomed three children, Ronald, Beverly, and Jill. In the early 1950s, JB received a job offer at Chief Joseph Dam, so the family moved to Bridgeport. In 1957, they bought 160 acres in Quincy and laid down some roots.

The Fowlers’ farming operation lasted 40 years and was a team effort. JB and Willie worked together, and Willie was JB’s right-hand-man. They grew alfalfa, corn, peas and wheat. When they weren’t tending to their crops, they were raising their pigs, sheep and cows. JB was always willing to expand his expertise and holdings. This mindset led them to operating the Apple Annie Antique Mall in Cashmere, WA. Clearly, the Fowlers learned a work ethic from a young age that allowed them to prosper in their business ventures until they retired when they were 75.

The Fowlers were hardworking people with a busy family and farm operation but carved out time for fun and recreation. JB loved elk hunting and playing his guitar. The couple enjoyed square dancing, and Willie was a social butterfly participating in church activities and garden clubs. At the end of their lives, they left a legacy with their children, seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren but also established a charitable legacy at the Columbia Basin Foundation. Their fund honored their roots in Arkansas and the Quincy community with the CBF Fowler Designated Endowment fund. Annual funding is provided for the Quincy Valley, Ash Flat and Shiloh Cemeteries and Quincy community. To date, they have distributed over $200,000. This spring $24,000 was dedicated to a bench project at the Quincy Valley Cemetery.

Clearly, the Fowlers lived the American dream and made a charitable decision with a portion of their estate to bless their roots and make an impact forever. CBF is honored and appreciates the opportunity to manage their fund as it grows and gives each year. Thank you JB and Wilnoree Fowler for your amazing generosity!