Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Dorothy Rowe Obituary
Dorothy M. Rowe passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2014. She was born on July 15, 1925 in Harrison Township, Pennsylvania to the late Alexander and Lillian Rowe. In 1943, after graduating from high school in Columbus, Ohio, she began her civil service career for the Army and Air Corps at the Columbus Quartermaster Reserve Depot. Dorothy continued her civilian career with the Air Force at Luke AFB in 1953. She held various financial positions with the Comptroller Squadron culminating her distinguished 70 years of federal service as the Chief of Financial Analysis in October 2013. Throughout her career, Dorothy served under 13 presidents and 40 commanding officers. She gave her entire adult life to the service of her country not just because she was a patriot but because the men and women of the 56th Fighter Wing Comptroller Squadron became her family. Dorothy had a passion for bowling. She was a long time member of the Phoenix Women's Bowling Association and the International Bowling Congress Board of Directors. Dorothy served on the Board of Directors at Credit Union West for over 15 years. Dorothy is survived by her cousins, Brenda (Roy) Darst, Kenneth Lonitz, Arlene Pavetto, Mary Ellen Leslie, Jennifer Webster, Chad Darst, Lee Lonitz, Shane Lonitz, Kayla Webster and Jase Darst. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 21, 2014 from 10:30-11:30AM at Holy Cross Catholic Mortuary, 9925 W. Thomas Road, Avondale; funeral services will follow at 11:30AM. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her parents at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fighter Country Foundation, 500 N. Estrella Parkway, Suite B2, PMB 479, Goodyear, AZ 85338; www.fightercountry.org/dorothyrowe
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dorothy Rowe
William Anderson
April 14, 2023
She was a very exceptional boss. In the annual member's meeting, they would turn it into a banquet and it was nice food back in the 80's. She was something else! She was good at her job and highly respected. We miss her dearly.
Mary Ellen Leslie
March 13, 2023
Thought we always lived many miles apart, I was always in touch with her through her parents and letters before cell phones allowed us to talk with each other.
Mary Ellen Leslie
March 13, 2023
We always like many miles apart but were able too keep in contact
William Van Noy SMSgt Ret.
November 23, 2021
I had the opportunity to work with Dorothy in the Budget Office at Luke AFB in the late 80's and early 90's. She was a tough lady and a strict boss but I wouldn't have been the leader I became without knowing her. Just her mere appearance commanded respect. I always admired her and am sad she is gone.
Peggy Cianciola
March 21, 2014
Dorothy was a very special lady. A great mentor and leader. She also had a great sense of humor. Who will ever forget Dorothy and Lois singing 'I like to go bowling with my friend Bert'? I enjoyed many car trips traveling to state YABA meetings together. And, getting lost with her too. Miss you Dorothy!
Jackie Bakunas
March 20, 2014
Big D you will be sadly missed by many. God bless.
JoAnne Palafox
March 20, 2014
Dorothy,"aka" Big D!! My heart is feeling heavy and sad. However, the stories you shared with me while we drank our vanilla shakes will forever stay with me. I am sorry we never had the opportunity to scrapbook your pictures and news clipping, I was looking forward to many more of your stories. Thank you for not only being a great boss, but also a great mentor and friend.
dee Miller
March 20, 2014
Dorothy, I remember working with you on some programs when I worked in AETC/Budget at Randoph years ago. You are an inspiration to many. Prayers to you and your family. May you rest in peace.
March 20, 2014
It was my good fortune to have the opportunity to serve on the WIBC Board of Directors. She was a very good mentor when it came to figures and I learned a great deal just observing and listening when she had something to say....we had some great times. She was a very special private lady, but a very good friend. Unfoirtunately, when she retired from the Board, she did not continue to attend the convention and enjoy the WIBC Family socials...we missed her. Rest in peace, Dorothy. You always knew how to run your life, and you knew when to retire.
Sylvia Broyles
Lois Weaver
March 19, 2014
Thank you Dorothy for enriching my life. I am really going to miss you, your stories and your wonderful spirit.
March 19, 2014
Prayers, thoughts and condolences are sent to Dorothy's family and friends. I was the Teen Coordinator at the Youth Center until 2006. You will be missed... R.I.P.
Glenna DiModugno
March 19, 2014
I am glad God blessed our lives with you. Rest in peace!
Maryann Westphal
March 19, 2014
Rest in Peace Dorothy. Prayers for your family and many thanks for your years of service. We have surely lost one of the finest ever. You will be missed.
May Swanson
March 19, 2014
Dorothy Rowe lead the Women of the Arizona Bowling Community with dignity and strong leadership. Expecting women to be competitive and still behaving like a lady. May your family find comfort in know you were highly respected in the bowling community and in your many years of dedicated service to the Federal Government.
Jerita Starr Laforcarde
March 19, 2014
The Luke AFB Financial Community has lost the Ultimate Accountant! Welcome Home Dorothy, Welcome Home!
March 19, 2014
You will be missed. The wonderful memories will alwasy be...May God blessings be with the family in this time of sorrow.
Pam Warren
March 19, 2014
RIP Dorothy...you served your country well!!!Prayers for your family and friends.
Toni Webster
March 19, 2014
Dorothy was a true PATRIOT!!! until we meet again...
Mary Ellen Leslie
March 19, 2014
I will miss our many phone conversation through the years. You were someone I always looked up and was so proud of your many accomplishments.
Beverly Riddle
March 18, 2014
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace dear Dorothy.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Dorothy Rowe's name
Memorial Events
for Dorothy Rowe
Funeral services provided by:
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home - Avondale9925 W. Thomas Road, Avondale, AZ 85392
How to support Dorothy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dorothy Rowe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
