PRATT — Normagene Rowley, 98, passed away on July 19, 2025 at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, Kan. She was born Jan. 4, 1927 in Augusta, Kan., to Raymond and Kathryn (Kate) (Alsup) Noll. She graduated from high school in McPherson, Kan. She married Virgil Lee Rowley on Aug. 19, 1943 in McPherson, Kan. Together they welcomed three children, Donald Lee, Kathryn Irene, and John Raymond Rowley.
Normagene cared for her family while Virgil was stationed in Germany during WW II. She and Virgil later operated a grocery store in Radium, Kan., as well as Normagene being employed as a Union Pacific Railroad Agent, and a United States Postmaster. Normagene cherished spending time with friends and family. She was a member of the VFW in Russell, Kan., and loved to dance. She spent many hours in the kitchen and was the keeper of many favorite family recipes. Her house was a welcoming haven, always open for heartfelt visits and a refreshing drink.
Normagene is survived by her three children and spouses, Donald Lee Rowley of Hutchinson, Kan., Kathryn Irene (Lewis) Burkes of Great Bend, Kan., and John Raymond (Donna) Rowley of Russell, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Donald Lee Rowley Jr. (Whitney), Michael Burkes, Matthew Burkes (Catrisa), Molly Hillman (David), Madison Burkes (Jennifer), Mitchel Burkes, Jennifer Bright (Sean), Jesse Rowley (Danielle), Amy Shelton (Michael); 19 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and life long friend Arletta Detherage, all of whom she loved dearly. Normagene was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Kathryn (Kate) Noll; brother Donald Noll; husband Virgil Lee Rowley; two close aunts Olive Davisson and Blanche Shelley; and close companion Henry (Hank) Schubert; along with many close friends over her 98 years.
Cremation has been chosen. A family service will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 31, 2025