Merle D. Rowland

Merle D. Rowland

Oct. 7, 1914 - Nov. 23, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Merle D. Rowland died at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on Friday Nov. 23, 2012.

Merle was born Oct. 7, 1914, at Walton, Nebraska, to George and Lola Agnes (Oliver) Bowman. In May of 1918, Merle;s mother passed away, and she and her two sisters, (Ruth and Hazel) were raised by her father's sister, Ann Fuhur and her husband, Charles, in Cheney, Nebraska. She attended Cheney School, graduating in May of 1932. Merle attended the University of Nebaska for one year. Moving to McCook, Nebraska, she taught at District 61, southwest of town, for four years. She made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Myers.

On the 12th of March, 1938, she was married to Thomas John Rowland in Oberlin, Kansas. He preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 1974. On Sept. 7, 1975, she wed Vernon Ray Rowland. He preceded her in death Aug. 20, 2000.

Merle was a member of the First Christian Church in McCook. She was the organist for many years. She was a member of the United Transport Union, Ladies Auxiliary, the Rebekah Lodge, the Burlington Northern Veterans' Association and a member of AARP. Merle has been a resident of Hillcrest Nursing Home for the past 14 years.

Merle was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Thomas Rowland and Vernon Rowland and sisters, Ruth Tophane and Hazel Cox.

She is survived by her niece, Jean Brenning of McCook, two nephews, Ron and wife, Marilyn Tophane of North Platte; Jim and wife, Virginia Rowland of McCook, great nephews, Bob and Janet Brenning of McCook and many other nieces and nephew. She considered many of her care givers as her family.

Funeral services are Tuesday at the Herrmann Jones Memorial Chapel in McCook, 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Mary Hendricks officiating. Interment is at the Riverview Cemetery in McCook.

Visitiation is today until 7 p.m. at the Herrmann Jones Memorial Chapel in McCook,

Memorials may be left in her name to the Hillcrest Nursing Home Special Care Unit.

Herrmann Jones Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.