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Evelyn Rowell Obituary

Evelyn Goobie Rowell, of Salem, Va., born in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada on January 10, 1925, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Chuck Rowell, Sr. and parents, W.R. and Areta Goobie, and brother, Ren Goobie, all of St. John's. Surviving are her sister, Emmy Lou G. Allan; and Evelyn's three children, Gail R. MacFarland and Bruce, Chuck F. Rowell, Jr. and Brenda, and Robert C. Rowell and Beverly. She has six grandchildren, Becky M. Hartless and Nathan, Jeff MacFarland and Robin, Karen R. Gurth, Kristin Rowell, Bryan Rowell and Jen, Iris R. Meneley and Jon. There are six great-grandchildren, Justin and Tim Hartless, Brittany MacFarland, Lura Gurth, Isabella Rowell, and Jasmine Meneley. Also surviving is her life-long friend, Mary Haag. Evelyn was a very active person, always giving her time to local interests. She especially spent many years at the side of her husband working on the annual Kazim Temple Shrine Circus event in Roanoke. She was active in auctions and bake sales to raise money for the Shriners, as well as the Salem High School bands. She volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross at blood drives. Beginning in the 1950's, Evelyn began an upholstering hobby and in the 1960's she did catering for many local businesses as well as Roanoke College and the Kazim Temple Potentate's Ball. She always supported the interests of her family any way that she could.
Among her other talents, Evelyn was one of the best tellers of funny stories and was often the life of the party. She always brightened up any room that she entered and was a good friend to many in Salem and Roanoke. Her family and friends will remember the annual Christmas Eve open house the she and Chuck, Sr. hosted for many years. The funeral will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 2 p.m. at John M.
Oakey and Son in Salem, Va., with graveside service to follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for visitation on Monday at 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kazim Shrine Crippled Children's Hospitals, c/o 628 Campbell Ave SW, Roanoke, Va.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 26 to Dec. 28, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Evelyn Rowell

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laurel cawley

December 30, 2009

Chuck and Brenda, our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Janie Archibald

December 29, 2009

Ev always made my visits back East so wonderful.
She shared her recipes with me, provided me with many laughs and made sure I had a good time.
She and Chuck, Sr., were so kind to me when I lost Bill enroute to visit them. We were all blessed to have her a part of our family. My memories of her will sustain me. My deepest condolences to all of the family. Love, Janie Archibald

Chip & Shirley Scruggs

December 29, 2009

Robert,
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Sandy Jordan

December 29, 2009

You will be forever in our hearts.

Love,

Mary Haag and Sandy Jordan

Anne Carlton Stone Ruark

December 29, 2009

Thinking of you all today.
Much love!

Becky Howell

December 28, 2009

Chuck,
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mother's death.

Jim & Jane McCoy

December 28, 2009

Our family wishes to express its deepest sympathies for the Rowell family for this wonderful human being. Having met Mrs. Rowell over 40 years ago she always was an inspiration to us in how she lived her life. We very much appreciated being invited to her legendary Christmas Open Houses where we learned how to be a true host and hostess. We continue to use her recipes and inspiring cooking techniques. We also recall fondly the times we visited her in her beautiful home and she spent the afernoon and evening cracking jokes and making us feel welcome. We will truly miss her endearing spirit.

Kristin Rowell

December 28, 2009

my nannie... i have so many wonderful memories to share.

you had such a loving and providing nature that was noticed by all, you always had something yummy cooking in the kitchen that i would later sneak from the basement freezers, you would put fresh aloe on my sun burn if i stayed out in the sun too long, you always kept the tv on way too loud and called it the idiot box, you would always let anyone come over and play - if they were a friend of mine, they were a friend of yours, you would remind me to go out back and pick a ripe plum from the plum tree, you wore those adorable hair covers that protected your hair when it rained, you made those neat christmas wreaths with candy on them, you and i went shopping for lots of high heels for those tiny little feet of yours, you would always have a loaf of zucchini bread just for me, you always had happy tunes playing on your radio in the kitchen window, you would let me curl up in bed with you while you read one of your books, you'd give in when i begged you to draw pictures on my back with your fingernails, you had such a sassy, sweet canadian voice yet told the dirtiest jokes, and best of all... your "nannie-isms" - you always, always had a saying that rhymed, making everyone smile and laugh.

those are just some of my favorite memories which i will cherish always. i feel so lucky to have known someone so amazing that had such an influence on so many people's lives. you are forever loved and will always be in thought.

Russ Craighead

December 28, 2009

I have the fondest memories of Evelyn. During hundreds of visits to the Rowell home as a young neighbor, she always made me feel welcome. When I was a little older, I also recall Evelyn as a terrific hostess during the wonderful Christmas Eve gatherings at the Rowell home. Bright, warm, and witty, Evelyn was a very positive influence on those of us fortunate enough to have known her. As I mourn her loss, I also celebrate a very special woman, her life, and the lives she touched.

Peggy Lou Stirling

December 27, 2009

It was Aunt Eve who taught me the basics of upholstering furniture. I still have the chair she taught me to do although it has been covered again a couple of times. It is a favourite of mine as it reminds me of her everytime look at it in the bedroom.
I'm sure she was a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother. She was certainly an unforgettable aunt. Even though we had lost touch in recent years I have thought of her often.
Gail, I would love to resume contact with you and renew our family ties.
I know how hard it is to lose a family member over Christmas. Of course it is difficult at any time of year but the Christmas season is even more difficult, especially when there are young children in the family trying to understand the loss.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Peggy Lou (Goobie) Stirling

Charles Goobie

December 27, 2009

I will always have many happy memories of aunt Eve.

Our deepest sympathy.

Charles and Olive Goobie

Brenda Rowell

December 27, 2009

I first met Evelyn when I was 14 years old. Chuck brought me to his house to meet the family. Evelyn treated me like a daughter and I will never forget her. She taught me a lot about cooking and how to have a good time. She told wonderful jokes and could stay up way past my bedtime laughing with all of her friends. She was a great Mother-in-law and friend to me and a wonderful Nannie to our children. We will miss her.

Karen Rowell Gurth

December 27, 2009

I miss my Nannie, she had a zest for life and mischievous spirit that has always inspired me. She gave so much to so many and always brought people together. I'd like to think that the time of her passing was her way of bringing everyone together for Christmas one last time. I love you Nannie.

Becky Hartless

December 26, 2009

Some of my greatest memories growing up involve my Nannie. I always loved to go to her house, whether it was to go sleigh riding, going to the pool, spending the night,family reunions, holidays, my wedding, birthday parties for my children, the list goes on. You could always count on Nannie for sweets & laughter. I miss you Nannie! You were a great grandmother & a great friend!

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