Rowena Frances (Thompson) Keener, age 83, of Great Bend, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2016 at her home in Great Bend after a long battle with cancer.
She was born on September 16, 1932 at Lincoln, Nebraska to George Ellis and Freida Madeline (Hackstadt) Thompson. Rowena was a Great Bend Resident since the early 1950s, and she worked in the laundry at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend for many years.
Rowena loved to sew, making clothing for her family for many years leading to sewing and alterations for friends and neighbors. She enjoyed quilting, tole painting, and crocheting – creating beautiful rugs from rags and yarn. She once crocheted a 12 by 16 foot rug from black and white yarn…such a huge endeavor done with so much love. In later years, reading (something she had enjoyed her whole life) became even more important, taking her to places she could only dream of. Word puzzles and challenges for her brain became her passion as she was determined to keep her spirits high and her mind sharp.
Rowena is survived by two daughters: Freda F. Chapman of Great Bend, Kansas and Paula S. Keener of La Crosse, Kansas; three sons: John W. Keener of Great Bend, Kansas, William L. (and his wife, Brenda) Keener of La Crosse, Kansas and Dalton L. (and his wife, Barbara) Keener of Pawnee Rock, Kansas; 15 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Keith M. Thompson of Otis, Kansas; many nieces and nephews too numerous to count. She was preceded in death by her parents, a younger brother Gordon E. Thompson, and a tiny precious great-grandson, Ethan Gentry Riley Keener.
According to Rowena’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorial Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery, Pawnee Rock, Kansas with a Celebration of Life beginning mid-afternoon the same day at Paula’s home in La Crosse, Kansas.
Memorials may be made in care of the Heartland Cancer Center, Great Bend, Kansas.