Laura Jane Rowen – 20JUL, 2018 (96)
On the evening of July 20, 2018, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend Laura Jane Rowen (aka “Marmie,” “Gramsbear,” “GG”, and “Janie” to most) passed away peacefully at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth, MT. She left us at 96 years young after a long and colorful life filled with joy, tears, and laughs.
Jane was born in the town of Frederic, Wisconsin September 27, 1921 to Runa (Nelson) & George Franklin Nash, joining older brother, George.
Jane moved to Colstrip, MT in 1923 at the age of three. She enjoyed sports growing up, being the captain of her basketball team and graduated Salutatorian of her class. After graduation, she attended nursing school at Holy Rosary School of Nursing in Miles City, graduating in 1942. She was a proud World War II veteran, commissioned in the Army in 1943 and served in the Army Nurses Corps in both Hawaii and Guam.
After WWII ended Jane married Captain William “Bill” Keenan. They had their first child, Runa Alice, in 1950 while stationed at Fort Riley, KS. Shortly after, while serving in the Korean War, Bill was captured, becoming a POW. Jane and baby Runa moved back to Forsyth to be near her parents during this difficult time. Bill was repatriated in 1953. Reunited, the family moved between stations at Fort Benning GA and then Fort Ord, CA, where they welcomed their second child, William Peter. The family later settled in Fort Williams, Maine.
In 1957, after the untimely death of her husband, Jane returned to Montana once again to be close to family while raising Runa and Pete. In 1976, Jane reunited with an old childhood friend, Dr. Gerald E. Rowen. They married and settled in Miles City, MT.
After spending many good years in Miles City with Jerry, who passed in 2002, Jane returned one final time to Forsyth in 2005, where she spent her remaining years.
A kind, loving and generous soul, Jane was known by all for her vibrant personality and infectious sense of humor.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents, brother, husbands William and Gerald, and her son Brent Rowen. Jane is survived by her children Runa (D.B.) Kenner and Pete (Jan) Keenan, Todd (Teresa) Rowen, Valerie Rowen, and Scott (Julie) Rowen; Grandchildren Chad (Khara) Erickson and their children Jourdan & Aleigh, Tara (Judd) Erickson and their son Garrett, Adam (Lindsey) Lucido and their daughter Campbell Jane, Wendi (Guy) Warren III and their children Bode & Bailey, Chad Hayes and his children Lane and Brooke, Matthew, Sean and Lisa Rowen, Brooke (Kate) Kuhlmann, Joshua (Suzanne) Kuhlmann and their daughter Mallory, Jamie (Chet) Blotske and their children Rowen and Berric, Kara (Jordan) Ornquist, Hadley Rowen, and special sister (in-law), Dorothy Trask.
We love you so much! And as Willie would say, “on the road again…”
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday August 5, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday August 5, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday August 6, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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George and Jan simmons says
Thoughts and prayers from the Simmons family. Keep those happy memories close.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Jackie Schneidt says
Sending my condolences,she was the sweetest lady.
Terri Brown says
Loved Grandma Jane! She was quite the lady! May your memories of life with her be forever stored in your heart. God bless you all. We love you!
Charlie and Terri
Linda Jackson says
She was the most sweetest and sassiest lady I have ever met. I absolutely adored her. I will miss our talks. Runa, D.B. And Tara she loved y’all so much. She was always talking about her family.
Michele Treible says
Runs and familyI am so sorry for you loss, Jane was a very sweet lady, she will be missed
Jack Fleming says
Always a smile and a good laugh when around her. Runa and DB take pride in how you cared for her.
Beverlee Cox says
The earth lost a special person. My deepest sympathy.
Misty Boyer says
She was an amazing woman! Her contagious smile and uncanny sense of humor will never be forgotten. She will forever hold my respect and admiration <3 Her soul is like none other and sure to shine bright on the other side. It has been with great pleasure to get to know her and be apart of her life if even for the little piece that I had the privilege of caring for her. She will forever have a place in my heart!
Kim and Nancy Nile says
Jane was a fun, loving and kind woman. Her smile and laughter brought so much sunshine to all who knew her. Sending all of her family love, hugs and prayers.
Mia says
Jane was so full of positive energy and there was never a dull moment when she was around! She will be missed. My condolences to the entire family.
Janice Plucinski says
Tara, Runa & DB-
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Grandma Jane was an awesome lady. She was always so witty, funny & loved life.
She loved you all dearly.
Heaven has gained a beautiful Angel who now will watch over you and be on your shoulders guiding you always.
Even though you can’t see her she will always be beside you everywhere and every day.
Love you all!
Ron and Carol Moore says
Runa and Pete and families,
We are so very sad to hear of Jane’s passing. She was such a fun loving person. Made everyone feel at ease. Cherish the millions of memories you have of fun times and laughs. Praying for all of you.
Jim and Mary Ann Liles says
Dear Runa, DB, Pete and families, This leave a hole in our hearts. My mom’s best friend, Janie was a fixture in my life – we didn’t make a trip to college in Missoula without stopping to see Jane. She met and “approved” my husband before I took him home to meet my parents – that was a very long time ago. We will treasure the last time we spent with her, still full of fun and witty and positive. Runa and DB, you are fine, loving people who took such wonderful care of this very independent woman, (who insisted she didn’t need anyone to do so!). Loved her immensely. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and hope to see you soon. Love, Mary Ann and Jim Liles
Terri Stevenson says
Jane was great neighbor of ours for several years and I loved our meaningful conversations and time spent together. She always had a fun spirit and loved to laugh. Our love and prayers to her family as they celebrate her life. Todd and Terri
Rita FitzGerald says
What a life this beautiful lady had! She touched so many with her glowing smile and spark. It is still with us in her children and grandchildren. She will be missed and our prayers are with all of her family??
Love to all of you, especially Runa, Pete and Tara?
Mark & De-De Fjelstad says
So sorry for your loss. She was a joy to be around . May God bless you and your family.
Deborah Schmeling says
So Sorry to hear about this wonderful lady. She was a precious jewel. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandi and Jim Updyke says
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Janie. She truly was an amazing lady. She always had a kind word and a smile. We considered her part of our family. Now the gang is complete in heaven. I bet they are fishing, golfing and barbecuing and having a great time. Love to her family and may God bless you with wonderful memories
Deb Shaw says
Jane’s family what a great gal she will be missed. I knew her when she lived in Miles. Enjoyed seeing her when she would come in the bank. She was so funny. My prayers are with you at this time
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the loss of your beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care. We are lifting you up in prayer at this most difficult time. She will be greatly missed by her family, many friends, and several different communities. May warm memories help soften your sorrow. May your faith help you face each tomorrow.
Debby Beals Beartusk says
Runa and Pete, I was sadden to read about this and your mother was such a kind and wonderful lady. I can remember her dancing the walz with my Grandfather, Obert Rye, and she was so graceful on the dance floor. She was a remarkable woman and please keep all of your good memories close to your hearts at this time.
Shirley Skinner says
We were so sorry to hear this news Runa… you are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Mom was an amazing and wonderful woman who touched a lot of lives. She will be missed by many.
T J Cape says
Runa, I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing and visiting with her at events. She was a great person. Dad has only good things to say about her too.
Kat ward says
Jane was such an amazing woman and I am very proud to have been able to work with her. My heart goes out to her family. She loved you all so much. You were all she would ever talk about.
Shawna Jamison (Snyder) says
I have such fond memories of Grandma Janie. She had a smile and a laugh that resonated for miles. And it will continue for years! Hugs and love to all of you while you say good bye.
Wayne & Lane Buck says
Runa, DB & Tara so very sorry to hear of Jane “GG” passing. What a amazing lady she was. I will miss her smile and laugh. She was one that would brighten any room she came into. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rhea Kuvhynka says
I am so sad to hear of Janie’s passing. I have so many great memories of her and am so thankful to have had her as a part of my life. Sending you my prayers and hugs!
Doran & Sandy Hewitt says
So very sorry to you all for your loss. Jane was truly a one of a kind. She was so pleasant, joyful, caring and loving to many. She always made us smile. I know you have many memories with her. Please take comfort and strength in the prayers we are sending your way.
Bob Lucido says
Runa, Pete, Chad and Tara, your Mother and Grandmother always treated me with Love, understanding and good humor. She was such a wonderful influence on our son, nephew and brother. Adam never stopped talking about his beloved Gramsbear. I was always happy to hear his stories about Grandma Jane and how much fun they shared together. When Carole had the gracious opportunity to meet Jane she later told me that within a few minutes they became fast friends. She really enjoyed Jane’s – Joie de vie!!
Your dearest truly blessed this world, made me feel like a forever family member and leaves a most beautiful reflection of herself in you all. Adam will always keep the memory of Jane and her loving family near and dear to me. What I remember most besides her smile and kindness was her Christmas Card, always the very first one I received! Heaven is even better today!!
Merlyn & Ginny Weber says
Jane brightened everyone’s life. She always made each one of us feel special. I love you more than you know. Heaven is a better place. I know she is there.
Sharon Borla says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a sweetheart to everyone.
Paul Evan and Tracie Jones says
From our family to yours, you are ALL in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sadness, but also happiness to know that she will be looking down on you! Our sincere condolences are with you.
Kay Crosby Dooley says
Pete, Runa and all of Janie’s loved ones you are in my thoughts and prayers. I have many memories of Janie and they are all good! She had a way with creating JOY!
Wishing you peace.
Kay
Kelly (Cartwright) & Sam Handley says
Dear Runa, Pete, DB and family: I’m so sorry to hear about Jane’s passing. She was such a sweet woman. I, too, have many fond memories of Jane. She was always smiling, and trying to brighten everyone’s day with her humor. You and all your family are in my prayers!
Kelly (Cartwright) Handley
Peggy and Chuck says
Always enjoyed Jane, she was a special lady and will be missed! We are thinking of you and your family.
Butch and cHARLYS SCHULENBERG says
Everything all the people have said about Jane, are so true. She will always be in my Memories. She was warm, sweet, loveing, and could dance with the best of them. Rest in peace Sweet Lady, and know you were Loved by all whom you touched.
marc and jenny says
It’s always hard to say goodbye to someone so special who had such an influence in our lives, and when the time comes sometimes there are no words. Hope she is somewhere with the love of her life with her toes in the sand and a drink in her hand. Okole maluna!
Karen Cline says
So sorry to have missed Jane’s funeral. I was in the hospital. Our family has been sharing stories about this great lady, especially her love for the “ringie dingies!”
Love Karen Cline & Family
Debi Rapstad says
Runa, I really am sad to hear this – she was always the sweetest person, always so pleasant and positive. I know how much you will miss her. Please know that you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care during such a difficult time.