Patricia Anne Rowley, 73

Patricia Anne 'Patty' Rowley, 73, of Polson, 'went home to the Lord' Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007, at her home on Finley Point. The cause of her death was due to a fall from a collapsing step stool that resulted in a subdermal hematoma, that, along with complications of a 6-year battle with cancer ended her life far to soon.

Patty was born Feb. 2, 1934, to William and Katherine Shamanoff in Lewistown. At the age of 3 the family moved to Bozeman. Her parents ran Bill's Grill. Both Patty and her sister, Donna, could be found in the back washing dishes and peeling potatoes.

In 1947 at the age of 13 the family moved to Billings. Patty graduated from Billings Senior High in 1952. After graduation she worked at Archie Cochran Motors, then George L. Tracy's as an executive secretary.

On April 1, 1955, she married the love of her life, F. Duane Rowley. Also in 1955, the newlyweds moved to Missoula for Duane to attend the University of Montana and Patty worked for the city manager of Missoula as an executive secretary.

In 1957 the couple made the move back to Billings. While in Billings they were blessed with three children, Patty's greatest treasures.

The family moved to Missoula in 1969 to open and run Crawford Door Sales. In 1972 the family moved to Lolo. Not busy enough, Patty and Duane shifted into high gear and also started Rowley Construction Supply. Patty focused on the books for both businesses and lighting sales, while Duane handled the window and door business. Both of them did many trade shows together as well.

In 1983, in an attempt to slow down their lives some, they made a final move to the 'cabin' on Flathead Lake. Patty continued Rowley Lighting and Design until her death.

Over the past 27 years of life in Polson, Patty was involved in many organizations including; Christian Women's Club, Polson Booster Club, The American Lighting Association, Flathead Lakers, Polson Chamber of Commerce, Polson Community Development and the Flathead Builders Association.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Duane Rowley; and her parents.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Duane; her oldest daughter, Julie Rowley; her youngest daughter, Lynda, and Shane Mergenthaler; and two grandchildren, Katelyn and Chase Mergenthaler; and her sister, Donna Frisby-Rambold, of Billings.

Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, at Grogan's Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Polson; with a reception to follow. Graveside services will be at approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Florence Carlton Cemetery south of Missoula. Pastor Rudy Ringhoff will officiate.

The family requests that any memorials be made to the Seattle Children's Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.