Betty LaJoyce Bond Rowan 82, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 8, 2022, in Madill, Okla. She was born on May 29, 1939, to the late L. T. “Truett” and Nadine “Glaspie” Bond in Cooper, Delta County, Texas.
Betty’s family moved from Cooper to Midland, Texas at a young age. She graduated with honors from Midland High School in 1957. She married E.H.(Hayes) Rowan on December 28,1957. In 1965, the family moved to Plainview, Texas where Betty and Hayes made their home until 2009.
Betty was a homemaker and mom until her youngest child began school, after that she decided it was time to pursue her education. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Wayland Baptist University in 1975 and a master’s degree in Library Science from West Texas State University in 1983.
Betty loved her family, but she loved her Lord and Savior completely. Betty and Hayes actively served the Lord for many years at Parkview Baptist church in Plainview where the made lifelong friends and mentors. She was a Sunday School Techer, the church pianist, a choir member, and frequent soloist.
She collected Gone with the Wind memorabilia and had hundreds of music boxes. In 2009, Betty and Hayes moved to Madill, Okla. to be closer to their daughters as they aged. Betty lived a full life until two serious strokes in 2012 left her disabled.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Francis Cardin; five brother in-laws, Grady Glenn, James Cardin, MD., Rowan, Tommy Mayes and John Rowan; two sister in-laws, Alice Glenn and June Rowan.
She is survived by her husband, Hayes Rowan of Madill, Okla.; children, Sherri Williamson and husband Bill of Huntsville, Texas, Sheila Dempsey and husband Gary of Madill, Okla., Kristi Walters and husband Philip of Elwood, Kans.; ten grandchildren, Nathan Reeves, Garrett Reeves, Sarah Dempsey, Allison Dempsey, Rebekah Dempsey, Truett Walters, Ethan Walters, Chase Walters, Bandon Williamson and Justin Williamson; six great grandchildren, Carsen Walters, Ruby Reeves, Hazel Reeves, Mia Williamson, Kylen Williamson, and Jetson Reeves; sister, Carolyn Bond Mayes of Beard, Texas; brother-in-law, Terry Rowan and wife Mary Ellen of Manor, Texas, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Friday, March 11, 2022 at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. at 2:00 p.m. Randy Kendrix officiated the service. Music was arranged by Billy Zang. Interment was at the Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers were Nathan Reeves, Garrett Reeves, Truett Walters, Ethan Walters, Chase Walters and Carsen Walters. Honorary Bearers were Sarah Dempsey, Allison Dempsey, Rebekah Dempsey, Brandon Williamson and Justin Williamson.
Memorials may be made the First Baptist Church in Madill, Okla. or the American Heart Association