Elizabeth Sarah Rowley

Rowley, Elizabeth "Betty" Sarah, 78, of Bay City, MI, passed away at her home on Monday, September 29, 2014. Elizabeth was born in South Charleston, OH to the late Rev. Donald and Margaret Lomas and later lived with her family in West Virginia and Philadelphia before moving to Bay City in 1945, when her father received a call from Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as the pastor until 1962. Elizabeth graduated from T.L. Handy High School as a valedictorian of the class of 1953. She went on to attend Wooster College before graduating from the University of Michigan in 1957. Elizabeth taught for a few years before she started a family, and later returned to the University of Michigan to complete her MSW. She then embarked on a 30 year career as a clinical social worker at Catholic Family Services and in private practice with long-time friend and colleague Paul Trerice. Elizabeth was a former member of First Congregational Church and long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was also involved in the League of Women Voters and participated in numerous professional activities and organizations. Elizabeth was a life-long learner and enjoyed reading, her discussion group, annual trips to Florida, visiting with family and friends and playing the piano. She particularly enjoyed spending time at the cabin with Jim and her kids and grandkids, playing cards, and spending time on the beach. Mom loved to watch the kids and grandkids have fun on the beach, where she could be counted on to worry about the safety of whichever loved one was swimming or sailing. Elizabeth deeply touched many lives in her personal and professional career. The family wishes to thank all of those from Elizabeth's life, both recent and from years ago, who reached out to express love, prayers and support during her brief and devastating illness. Elizabeth was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She met her husband, James, shortly after moving to Bay City and the two began to date in high school. They were married by Elizabeth's father shortly following their college graduation, and recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. She is survived by James, children Beth (Joel), Peter (Marilyn) and Andrew (Heidi); and grandchildren Travis, Allison, Matthew, Christian, Jacob, Kenna, James, Luke and Erin. Elizabeth is further survived by her sisters Margaret (Peggy) Love and Winifred (Winnie) Rinehart. The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation for those involved in Elizabeth's care, with a special thank you to Carol and Beth from the caring Mid-Michigan Hospice staff, the committed staff of Almost Heaven, and Sister Ginny Scally for ongoing spiritual support and friendship. There will be a memorial service to celebrate Elizabeth's life at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bay City on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a private family interment ceremony. Officiating the memorial service will be Rev. Dalton Love and Rev. Matthew Schramm and Sister Virginia Scally, SNDdeN will also share some reflections. A luncheon will be served at the church following the interment. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday to receive family and friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. The family asks that those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy to consider Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Save Brian's House Community Group. www.gephartfunerallhome.com