Patsy Jeanne Rowland's Obituary
PATSY JEANNE ROWLANDOctober 18, 1929 – September 12, 2018Patsy Jeanne (Stunkard) Rowland, 88 passed to her eternal home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in her home at Oklahoma Methodist Manor. Patsy was born October 18, 1929 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Russell and Zona Stunkard. Patsy grew up on the farm of her grandparents, Walter M. Stunkard and Elizabeth Amy Parkins Stunkard at 62nd and Utica in Tulsa. She was a graduate of Central High School and was active with the other alumni through their 50th reunion.After a year and half at the University of Tulsa studying piano performance, this farm girl set off on the adventure of her life to pursue a degree in Kindergarten Education from National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois. She worked as a nanny for two families over the two years she spent getting her degree.Upon returning to Tulsa, Patsy began her career at Holmes Elementary School with a total of 64 kindergarteners. She met her husband of 60 years, Robert F. Rowland at St. Paul’s (United) Methodist Church and they began their married life together on June 4, 1955. The church in which they met and married, ties back to Patsy’s grandfather who helped dig the basement when it was being built in the 1920’s. Patsy and Robert raised their family in this church where she was brought up.After staying home with her children while they were young, she worked as a teacher and the Director of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church Preschool for 23 years.Traveling by airplane, car, and motorhome, Patsy’s family took many trips and saw much of the world.Patsy’s servant heart moved her to contribute in many capacities at St. Paul’s over the years: singing in the choir, playing handbells, United Methodist Women, Church Council, cooking for Manna Meals, and teaching children’s Sunday school for many years. She continued to be an active member and served wherever she was needed until illness took her strength.Patsy was active in the Tulsa community volunteering in many organizations. She remembered attending Home Demonstration Club in her family’s backyard when her mother hosted the club. She became a member 69 years ago and has seen the name change to Extension Homemakers and most recently Oklahoma Home and Community Education (OHCE). She has served as President of the Valley View group and held numerous county offices and committee chairs. She was awarded Member of the Year and Heart of OHCE, which honors members who served their communities in other organizations.Patsy and Robert were 4-H leaders starting the Highland Park club for their children. They were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. Tulsa County 4-H honored her with 50th year recognition as a Certified Volunteer at the 4-H Award night the day after she passed away.Patsy was also a Girl Scout leader, member of Eastern Star, and member of Mended Hearts after her husband’s heart attack.Hobbies she enjoyed and passed down to her children and grandchildren include cooking, canning home grown fruits and vegetables, crafts, sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, specialty arts like Swedish embroidery and Scherenschnitte (decorative paper cutting).She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Robert; daughter, Ruth Ann Rowland, grandson Russell Warren Barnes, and older sister Betty Ann Baker.She is survived by her younger sister, Barbara Boevers of Brainerd, Minnesota; her younger brother George Stunkard and wife Phyllis of Coweta, OK; her children and their spouses, Paula and Warren Barnes of Bartlesville, OK, Neil and Nancy Rowland of Overland Park, KS, and Donna and Rick Dunkerson of Owasso, OK; 9 loving grandchildren Dena, Jordan, Erica, Robert, Erin, Ryan, Eric, Daniel and Mark, and 5 adorable great-grandchildren Kaden, Kameron, Kenlie, Brody, Liam and many other family members and friends.Visitation–Thursday, Sept 27, 4-7pm and Graveside–Friday, Sept 28, 3pm atFloral Haven Cemetery6500 S 129th St, Broken Arrow 74012Celebration Service–Sat, Sept 29, 3pm at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church1442 S Quaker Ave., Tulsa, OK 74120 In lieu of flowers, Patsy’s family asks for memorials to be given to one of the following organizations that were close to her heart:The Elevator Fund at St. Paul’s United Methodist ChurchManna Meals at St. Paul’s United Methodist ChurchTulsa County 4-H Please include on memo line “Patsy Rowland Memorial” and which fund you chose.St. Paul’s United Methodist Church1442 S. Quaker Ave.Tulsa, OK 74120 Tulsa County 4-H4116 East 15th St.Tulsa, OK 74112
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