Barbara Lois Rowley

Barbara Lois (McLeland) Rowley, a resident of the Tri-Cities for 65 years, died January 7, 2015 surrounded by family, after a long period of declining health.  She was born in Wallace, Idaho, April 6, 1936.

Barbara graduated from Columbia (Richland) High School in 1954 and was married to Robert Rowley that same year.  Barbara and Bob moved to El Paso, Texas, in 1955 where he was posted to Ft. Bliss in the army and their first son, John, was born.

After the army, Barbara and Bob returned to live on the Rowley family farm in Kiona for a short time before moving back to the Tri-Cities where their son, Mark, was born.  She spent the rest of her life in the Tri-Cities with the exception of two years from 1965-67, when the family moved to Houston, Texas, to be part of the Apollo space program.

Barbara devoted her life to her family and persevered through challenging health conditions.  She was a member of Central Church in Richland and participated in numerous bible studies, sang in church choir, and worked with the stuffers group.  She also played the organ and accordion.  Barbara took a variety of community courses and enjoyed sewing, knitting and several other crafts.  She just loved to get out shopping and find something in bright colors.

She is survived by her son John (Michelle) Rowley and their children Scott, Garrett and Kirsten of Hood River, OR; son Mark (Mary) Rowley and their children Luke and Aaron of Pasco, WA; half-brothers, Julian (Mary) L. McLeland of Everett, WA, Greg (Trudy) McAdams of Portland, OR, David (Carol) McAdams of Portland, OR, and Jamie (Susan) McAdams of Tigard, OR; half-sister, Wendy (Stan) Koslowski of Las Vegas, NV.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Robert Rowley; mother Lillian (Higgins) McAdams; step-father Vern McAdams; father Maurice McLeland; brother Lauren McLeland, and granddaughter Sarah Rowley.

A memorial service will be held at Einan’s At Sunset, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA on Thursday January 15, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.