Blanche Margaret Rowley

Blanche Margaret Rowley

Blanche Margaret Rowley
September 29, 1921 – November 18, 2021
Albia, Iowa | Age 100

Blanche Margaret Rowley, age 100, of Albia, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia. Blanche was born on September 29, 1921, in Monroe County to Albert M and Harriet (Matthews) Rouse.

Blanche graduated from the Albia High School in 1939 and was a rural school teacher following graduation.

Blanche married Earl E. Rowley on May 17, 1941, in Williamsburg, IA. Blanche and Earl shared 65 years of marriage prior to Earl’s passing on December 25, 2006.

She was a member of Albia Woman’s Club, Order of Eastern Star, the First Christian Church for 69 years and was active in Christian Women’s Fellowship. Blanche enjoyed traveling with her husband and attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s athletic events. Above all else, Blanche enjoyed spending time with her family, especially at family gatherings.

Blanche is survived by a son, Harold Ray (Teresa) Rowley of Albia; a daughter, Lou Ellen (Jim) Swinney of Del Rio, TX; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Rowley of Hot Springs, SD; 7 grandchildren: Eddie (Megan) Swinney of Austin, TX, Jo Anne (David) Isley of Chariton, IA, Victoria (Bill) Ogier of Ankeny, IA, Scott (Amber) Rowley of Dubuque, IA, Keith Rowley of Denver, CO, Cheyenne (Tyler) McDanel of Ankeny, IA, and Christian Rowley of Chicago, IL; and 11 great grandchildren. Blanche is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Blanche was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; 2 sons, Jimmie Earl and Gary Lee; and her parents, Albert and Harriet.

Per Blanche’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a private family burial will take place at a later date.

A memorial has been established to the First Christian Church in Albia.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Blanche Margaret Rowley please visit the Tharp Funeral Home Sympathy Store.