Martha Rowlan, 94

Martha Rowlan, 94, of Whitefish, died Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Heritage Place Assisted Living from natural causes.   

Martha was born May 4, 1918, in Youlbourn Township, Ontario, to Hugh and Theresa Timmons. She was the second oldest of six children.

She married Sandy Summerville and had her first child, Velma Theresa, on June 29, 1935.

She became a naturalized citizen on May 4, 1955, after moving to Whitefish and marrying Charles “Ike” Luke. She and Ike had two more girls, Pamela Jean on May 5, 1951, and Linda Helen on Aug. 8, 1952. Martha married Leo Rowlan on June 6, 1969, eventually retiring with him in the North Fork of the Flathead and Sun Lakes, Ariz.

Martha enjoyed golfing, bowling and fishing the North Fork River. She was an active member of various Lutheran churches in Montana and Arizona.       

Martha is survived by her daughter, Linda Luke, of Livingston; grandchildren, Camilla and Steve Kruse of Wisconsin, Gwyn Cooper-Redmond of Kalispell, Jill Redmond of Kalispell, Timothy and Jeanette Redmond of Kalispell, Courtney and Trevor McCormick of Livingston, and Lexie and Rusty Trzpuc of Livingston; great-grandchildren, Pierce Kruse, Danielle Zuzero, Lyle McCormick, Jorja McCormick, Scarlet Redmond and Lila Trzpuc; stepchildren, Ronald and Donna Luke of Whitefish, and Karen Reber of Whitefish; sister, Kay Brady, of Canada; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Rowland; daughters, Velma Gustin and Pamela Luke; grandchild, Kelly Redmond; and brothers, Terry Timmons, Len Timmons, Jack Timmons and Edward Timmons

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 30, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Burial arrangements will be made by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

Thank you to the staff at Heritage Place Assisted Living and Buffalo Hill Terrace for the thoughtful and compassionate care, and also a special thank you to pastor Ralph Boyer.