All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Mary Ellen Kelly Rowan

Obituary Rowan

Mary Ellen Kelly Rowan, 87, of Buckhannon, W.Va. died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, at Talbott’s Personal Care Home in Belington, W.Va.

She was born Aug. 11, 1931 in Annapolis, Md., a daughter of the late George Russell and Pearl Shaw Kelly.

On June 17, 1950, she married Clarden “Bill” Rowan who preceded her in death on July 3, 1996.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sons, Bill, Steven, and George “Pete” Rowan; one grandson, George Rowan II; one great grandson, Chandler Grubb; three brothers, James, John and George Kelly, Jr. and two sisters, Betty Blades and Dorothy Tenney.

She is survived by one son, Thomas Rowan and wife Gayle of Buckhannon; two daughters-in-law, Sylvia Rowan of Buckhannon and Lisa Rowan of Elkins, W.Va.; four grandsons, Tom Rowan II and wife Heather of West Milford, W.Va., Steve Rowan II and wife Heidi of Buckhannon and Chad and Ryan Rowan both of Elkins; four granddaughters, Kim Loudin and husband Chad, Jenni Grubb and husband Shawn and Chasity Littler and husband Jason all of Buckhannon and Sara Blevins and husband Chris of Parkersburg, W.Va.; 19 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; one brother, Walter Kelly of Pa.; sister-in-law, Anna Jean Kelly of Buckhannon and a special caregiver, Geri Rowan of Buckhannon.

Mary lived a very full and energetic life. Her years were filled with camping, cooking and baking for the ones she loved. Mary made the best peanut butter fudge which caused family members to flock to her in order to sneak a bite.

Mary’s greatest passion was always her grandchildren. Many Christmas Eves were spent crowded in her living room; which was filled with warmth and love. She always looked forward to visits from them and was delighted over the births of her great-great grandchildren. Mary was truly the definition of a loving matriarch.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, at 11 a.m. in the Mt. Union Church Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Spotloe officiating. Burial will follow the graveside service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

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