Dr. Ann Rowlette
1933-2023
Dr. Ann Rowlette of Maryville entered her eternal rest on Saturday, February 18, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born Annie Lou Cowan on the family farm near Maitland, Missouri on May 29, 1933 to Zoa and Arthur Cowan. She grew up in Maitland and graduated as valedictorian from Maitland High School in 1951. After attending her freshman year at Lindenwood College, she transferred to Northwest Missouri State University and graduated in 1955 with professional home economics and music degrees. .
Ann began her teaching career as a high school home economics instructor for six years. She received a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and later a PhD in adult and continuing education from Kansas State University. She knows NWMSU well, she returned in 1971 as a faculty member where she taught until she retired in 2004 as an associate professor of family and consumer sciences. During her 33-year tenure, she was a faculty advisor to the consumer and family science student professional organization for 20 years, director of the Freshman Seminar for seven years, and a faculty advisor to students in her specialty area – the interior component of the merchandising majors. She honored for her outstanding service, she is the recipient of the University’s Tower Service Award seven times. She was honored with the 2006 Distinguished Emeritus Faculty Award in recognition of outstanding teaching and service contributions to NWMSU.
His association with Alpha Sigma Alpha fraternity began as a collegiate, serving as president for two years, and continued as a faculty advisor for 28 years. She has been awarded Outstanding Greek Advisor eight times by the Panhellenic Council / IFC and was awarded in 2001 by the ASA National Headquarters as outstanding advisor for 25 years of service. As a consultant, she was essential to the chapter’s continuity and development, fostered leadership development, encouraged high academic standards, and took a personal interest in the academic and professional success of members that extended well beyond graduation . Upon her retirement a chapter scholarship was funded in her name and is awarded annually.
A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Maryville, Ann has enjoyed serving in many capacities over the years, volunteering wherever needed. Her most recent role was on the spiritual care committee where she warmly welcomed church visitors and newcomers and provided support to those experiencing illness or loss.
Ann was a very humble person who was easily loved by those she met. It wasn’t unusual for her to learn someone’s life story after spending a short time with them. She was known for her grace, wit and love of sports. Her advice and wisdom have been sought throughout her life by countless students, her many friends, and her family. She has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many through the lives she has touched and she will be greatly missed.
Ann was preceded in death by her husband Dr Robert Rowlette aged 64 and brother Chad Cowan. She is survived by three daughters, Cretia (Scott) Meier, Sterling, Virginia, Kristen (Rob) St. Thomas, and Nicole Rowlette, Kansas City, Missouri; the nephews Luca and Nico San Tommaso; sister, Connie Oliver, Independence, Missouri; brother, Jon Cowan, Auburndale, Florida; nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 10:00 to 11:30, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 at the First Presbyterian Church, 211 South Main St, Maryville, MO 64468. A fellowship will follow the lunch after the function, always in church. The procession will leave Maryville at approximately 1:30 pm for the Demand Service at Maitland Cemetery, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Maryville, (reference Ann Rowlette in memo line), or Northwest Missouri State University, 800 University Drive, Maryville, MO 64468; checks may be made payable to the Northwest Foundation (also note Ann Rowlette in the note).
