Barbara Ann Rowan

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Visitation Schedule
Reception
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church-Wesley Hall
4823 Woodlawn
Little Rock, AR  72205
Friday, September 4, 2015
Following Service
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn
Little Rock, AR  72205
Friday, September 4, 2015
1:00 P.M.
Memorial Contributions
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn
Little Rock, AR  72205
Barbara Ann Rowan

of Little Rock, AR

January 7, 1923 - September 1, 2015

After a long and blessed life, on September 1, 2015, Barbara Ann ''Bobbye'' Rowan was called home to be with her Savior. She was born on January 7, 1923 in Osaka, Virginia, the daughter of John Laney Walker and Ella Ruth Marrs Legge. She attended Big Stone Gap High School where she enjoyed being a majorette and playing basketball. After graduation, she attended Averett College in Danville, Virginia. Although she majored in business, she also studied music and was often asked to perform as a soloist, often accompanied on the piano by her sister, Frances Legge Callahan. Bobbye also was an officer in her sorority, and elected to the Averett May Court. After her college graduation in 1943, she moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where she was employed by the US Army. There she met her future husband, Lt. Walter Caperton ''Rip'' Rowan, Jr., of Memphis, Tennessee. After he was discharged from the Army, they married on June 7, 1946. Their first home was in Memphis, but in 1947, Rip's company, McKesson & Robbins, transferred them to Little Rock, and they lived happily together here for their 63 married years.

Barbara was very active in the Little Rock Musical Coterie and served as an officer for many years. She was a life member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and loved being a part of the Cantorias, a group who presented musical programs for retirement and nursing homes., church groups, and civic organizations.

Barbara also loved the Lord and her church. She and Rip were members of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church for most of their married life, and rarely missed attending their Butler Sunday School Class. She sang in the Adult choir and greatly enjoyed her Women's Circle Meetings, and attending Community Bible Study. And it must be said that Barbara was very involved in the lives and activities of her husband and their two children. She was a wonderful wife the love of Rip's life. And no one could ever be a better or more-loved Mother and Grandmother. All her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren adored her.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Frances Callahan, who was her best friend for all of her life; her daughter and son-in-law, Ruthie and Tom George; her son and daughter-in-law, Walter C. Rowan III and Kathy; her six beloved grandchildren, Betsy George Baltzer (Doug), Meredith George Hall (John), Jessica George Hillgartner (Chad), Nancy George Braner (Philip), Elizabeth Ruth Rowan and Walter C. Rowan IV; fourteen great-grandchildren, Sam, Molly and Bobby Baltzer; Rowan, Houston and George Hall; Tommy, Ella Ruth, Anna Rowan and Lynleigh Hillgartner; Gracie, Mollie, Thompson Rowan and Betsy Braner, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Barbara will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, genuine sweetness, and loveliness in every way not only beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. She was a gracious, gentle southern lady, admired and loved by all who met her she will be greatly missed.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1:00 P.M., in the Sanctuary of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, with a reception following in the parlor.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Pulaski Heights Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, AR 72205; the Disabled Veterans, www.dav.org; or your favorite charity.

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3 Condolence(s)
Emily Talley
Arkadelphia,
Liked
Monday, September 21, 2015

My prayers are with you and your family. I worked for you and Mr. Lipscomb at McKesson in 1948 on Main at the foot of the river bridge. I am going to write you if my daughter (Billie) can find your address.
Love and prayers,
Emily Talley

Pat Jones
Tulsa,, OK
Liked
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Regrets to Walter and the family !!

Candace Stamm
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Mrs. Rowan was one of the nicest ladies I have ever met. May all of the family find comfort in knowing she has received her true reward.