BELLA VISTA, Ark. — It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jane Esther Rowland on April 15, 2025, at the age of 81.
Jane was born on April 25th 1943, in Garden City, Kan. She was the youngest child born to Mildred and Leon Smith. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sibling, aunt and friend. She grew up in Larned, Kan. and attended Larned High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in music education from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan. She devoted her life to a career in both elementary and music education. Jane was a proud military spouse and taught students across the country and globe, from Texas to Japan, throughout her husband’s Air Force career. She was a dedicated teacher and loved her students. She was listed as a “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” multiple times. Jane was a long-term member of the Highlands Methodist Church and choir and part of the Bella Vista PEO chapter. She was an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalist; playing the piano, flute, guitar and many others. She enjoyed teaching music lessons, directing choirs, writing, card making and scrapbooking.
She is survived by her husband, Gary Rowland, Lt Col USAF (Ret); her three children, daughter Susan (Forrest) Kautz of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, Catherine Cano of Ward, Ark., and Brian (Ericka) Rowland of Rogers, Ark. She was lovingly called “Nini” by her seven grandchildren, Chance, Avery, Ethan, Joshua, Aiden, Matthew and Brennan. She is also survived by her brothers Leon (Jan) of Twin Falls, Idaho and Donald (Shirley) of Bentonville, Ark. and multiple nieces, nephews and friends. Jane was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Barbara Hodges of Mt. Airy, Ga. and her nephew, Scott Lyon, of Redding, Calif.
Jane touched the lives of many with her warm smile, quick wit and cheerful disposition. She poured her heart into her family and will be remembered for her love of music, her innate ability to make everyone around her feel welcome and her generous, compassionate spirit.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 7, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Highlands Methodist Church in Bella Vista, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a scholarship program through PEO or donations to Highlands Methodist Church in Bella Vista.
Though Jane has departed this world, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share in her life. May she rest in peace, and may we carry her light forward with us always.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Jane Esther Rowland, please go to https://www.funeralmation.com/obituary/jane-rowland.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 31, 2025
