Ora G. Rainwater

Ora G. Rainwater was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything she undertook. Realistic about life, she was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Ora was born on March 21, 1924 at At home in Beverly, KS. She was the daughter of Forrest F. Galloway and Ada (Scott) Galloway. Ora grew up in Central Kansas, Loveland, Colorado, and Exeter, California.

Ora was raised with Two older brothers: Forrest Clayton Galloway and Elden Kenneth Galloway. Ora was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Ora had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Ora was an active child who took part in bicycling and rollerskating. Later on she was involved in dancing and bowling. However, to Ora, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Ora enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were her family and Doris Merchant. Later in life, she became friends with the entire Veit family, as well as Buddy and Ger Peterson, the Flint families, the girls in "the club," and Lou Bradley and Jackie Stiehl.

On March 25, 1951 Ora exchanged wedding vows with Miles M Rainwater at the home of Rev. Crowder of Plumerville, Arkansas. Empathic and loyal, Ora was committed to making her new family happy.

Ora worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Ora was blessed with one child, Joan Rainwater Pillow. Another blessing for Ora was the gift of one grandchild, David A. Pillow, Jr.

Fortunately, Ora enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Ora worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was telephone/PBX operator. She was employed for 25 years with Bell telephone, E. F. Hutton and the United California Bank. Ora always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Ora enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, bowling, and socializing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Throughout her life, Ora was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years, Ora was an active member of the Fresno Organization of retired city employees.

Ora’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Woodward Park Baptist Church for over 10 years.

Ora enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included any trips, liked train travel to Arkansas and Kansas.

Ora was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Tuffy, a himalayan cat. They were best friends for ten plus years. Her family was rounded out by her Patches, a calico cat of 10 plus years.

When Ora’s retirement finally arrived in 1991, she was well prepared. Fresno, CA. In retirement, she found new pleasure in socializing, going to dances, cooking for church fund raisers, and game nights at home. Even in retirement, Ora continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Ora was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

She is survived by Miles M. Rainwater, husband; Joan R. Pillow, daughter; David A. Pillow, Son-in-law; and David Pillow, grandson. Services were held at Boice. Ora was laid to rest in Exeter Cemetery.

Simply stated, Ora was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Ora leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Ora G. Rainwater.n of Boice Funeral Home, Clovis, CA.