Dorothy Mae Ertel Rowe was born in Covington, Ky. July 13, 1915. After a brief illness, she passed away at her daughters' home in Coarsegold, Calif., Jan. 27, 2010, surrounded by her family, including all of her "adopted" children and friends She has now joined her loving husband of 39 years, Dr. Peter Rowe, and her predeceased siblings and friends.
Dorothy graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Music. She was a talented musician accomplished at playing the organ, piano, cello and flute. She was a piano teacher and was an active member of the American Guild of Organists.
Dorothy served in the Pacific Theater with the Red Cross during World War II where she met and married her husband Peter Dec. 18, 1944.
Dorothy resided in Reno from 1948 until 2001, during which time she raised her family. Yet she found the time to be actively involved in her church and served as church organist for several Catholic churches and local mortuaries. She moved to Fig Garden Retirement Residence where she participated in any and all activities. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed painting, crocheting and trips to visit her children and grandchildren. Never one to slow down, she flew across the country to Richmond, Va., for Thanksgiving 2009. Her greatest enjoyment in life was her family and she gave an abundance of unconditional love to each member.
Dorothy is survived by Susan (Rowe) and Dennis Bell of Coarsegold, Calif., Michael and Suzanne Rowe of Minden, Nancy (Rowe) and Wayne Chasen of Richmond, Va, and her beloved brother John Ertel of Cincinnati, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews. She delighted in the activities of her six grandchildren: Gabrielle, Heather, Jessica, Kristen and her husband Bill Hinman, Sarah and Valerie and her husband Brian Padgett. She is also survived by great-grandsons Cy Padgett and Ryan Hinman.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. R. J. Ertel, her husband Dr. Peter Rowe, her sisters Mary Jane Miller and Ruth Orsary, brother Thomas Ertel and great-granddaughter Sydney Padgett.
Mother, Mom, Mommy, we are blessed having known you; it was an honor and privilege to have taken care of you during your final days. It is a comfort knowing that you are safe and without pain in heaven with Daddy. We will miss you and love you forever. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Susan, Michael and Nancy.
Memaw, Mimi, Meese, you were the best grandmother!!! We loved you so much! You have taught us so many valuable lessons and provided much laughter. We will never forget you! Love, Gabrielle, Heather, Jessica, Kristen, Sarah and Valerie
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to your favorite Charity.
Services were held at 11 a.m. Feb. 2, 2010, at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church 1138 Wright Ave, Reno. Burial at Mountain View Cemetery with a reception following at the Parish Hall at Our Lady of the Snows.