June Rowe

There are some people that measure their success in terms of accomplishments and achievements, but to June Rowe there was no higher calling than that of being a wife and mother. She was an extraordinary woman completely devoted to loving her husband and caring for her children, setting aside her own needs to tend to their needs instead. June lived her life with strength, vibrancy, and generosity, warming the lives of others through both her exquisite cooking and compassionate heart. The 1930s were a monumental period for literature in which Americas most distinguished writers produced works of fiction, including those of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. Joseph and Barbara (Lumer) Schlief of Chicago, Illinois were looking forward to their own monumental time as well; as Barbara was due to give birth to their second child at any time. They were indeed blessed on June 16, 1933 with the healthy birth of their daughter June, who joined older brother Robert. June was later blessed with a younger sister Bonnie after the family moved to Whitehall, Michigan. These were difficult economic times for many American families as our nation was firmly held in the grip of the Great Depression, but Junes parents were fortunate to be small business owners. June fondly recalled that her mother prepared delightful Hungarian and German foods which her family thoroughly enjoyed. As a high school student, June enjoyed the marching band, baton twirling, and reading. Although she did not graduate at that time, June went on to earn her G.E.D. later in life. The most important part of her years spent in high school, however, was her introduction to a young man named Jerrold Rowe. A romance between June and Jerrold soon ensued and after several years of dating, the high school sweethearts were united in marriage on July 15, 1950. They were soon blessed with six children of their own: Jerald, Susan, Russell, Babette, Daniel, and Joni. June embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into caring for the needs of her children and providing them with her unconditional love, making them each feel special in their own unique way. Her children knew that she was always available for them, whether they had a physical need or an emotional one, often providing her children with a listening ear and wise counsel. June created many opportunities for treasured memories to be made when she and Jerrold took their children camping or on various vacations, activities that were of the utmost importance to the entire family. June also took her children fishing or to horse shows and the holidays were a precious time in the Rowe household. They were a time for traditions and the warmth of sharing the blessings of dynamic relationships. June was an exquisite cook who lovingly prepared scrumptious meals for her family and she additionally ran an organized household flawlessly orchestrating the events of each member. There were several interests that were an important part of Junes character. She absolutely adored fishing; she often found peace and tranquility with a fishing rod in her hand. June was a 4-H mentor and she was supportive of her husband and daughters who were actively involved in horse showing and together, their family was members of a local saddle club. June also enjoyed gardening, reading, traveling, going to the casinos, and caring for the beloved family dogs. She had a passion for outdoor activities and had a great sense of adventure. June was a woman with strong opinions who was proud to call herself a Republican. After her children were out of the house, life took a unique turn for June when her husband Jerrold, who worked for Hooker Chemical, took an assignment in Saudi Arabia. This is a great environment for men to live in, but life for women is very difficult and proved to be a very trying experience for June in her attempt to fulfill the various cultural obligations. June and Jerrold became great friends with Linda and Mike Greer, Mike being a coworker of Jerrolds . When Desert Storm broke out, June and all the women were sent home, but they returned after the environment became more secure. After Jerrolds assignment abroad was completed, they returned to Michigan at which time Jerrold retired. Life became more difficult for June when Jerrold died in 1998, after nearly 50 years of marriage. June leaned on her family for strength and support during these most difficult days. Family was always a priority for June, but after the loss of her husband, she cherished her family even more, treasuring each moment she was given with them. June Rowe was an independent woman of strength who continuously carried herself with integrity, compassion, and love. It was no secret that the day June married her beloved Jerrold was the happiest day of her life and that the children that they were blessed with were her greatest joy. To June, there was no higher calling than that of being a homemaker, a wife, and a mother; she spent her lifetime wrapping herself around the lives of her husband and children, but more importantly, around their hearts. Whether she was preparing a meal, teaching her children to fish, or sharing a family recipe, June was always available for those she held most dear. June selflessly lived each day creating memories with those placed in her path which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed. June B. Rowe, died Monday, January 12, 2009 in Florida. Junes family includes her sons, Jerald Rowe of Rapid River, Russell (Anita) Rowe of Montague, Daniel (Sheryl) Rowe of MA; daughters, Susan (Ronald) Coverly of Muskegon, Babette (Jerry) Meggison of Charlevoix, Joni (Mark) Carrier of Newaygo; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Robert (Arlene) Schief of FL; sister, Bonnie (Randall) Peterson of WI. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2009, 3:00 p.m. in the chapel at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. I interment at Hubbard Cemetery. Visit with Junes family on Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Your Choice.