Maxine Lewis Rowley's Obituary
Maxine Lewis Rowley, age 86, passed away on April 4, 2025, at her home in South Jordan, Utah. She was born on September 23, 1938, to Max Thomas Lewis and his wife, Illa Rose Hale. She attended high school in Duchesne, Utah. She was elected the first female Student Body President of Duchesne High School in 1955.
She attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in journalism with a minor in fashion design. She was selected by the President of BYU as its Outstanding Woman Graduate for 1960. Later that year she married Arthur William Rowley on September 23, 1960 n the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two daughters were born them, Anne and Jenefer.
In the early 1970's she earned another bachelor's degree. It was in Home Economics Education from the University of Utah. She was hired by Sand Ridge Junior High School in Roy, Utah to Chair its Home Economics Education Department and to simultaneously serve as student counselor. In 1977 she was chosen as Utah and National Home Economics Teacher of the Year.
In the late 1970's, she earned a Master's Degree from Utah State University and taught on the faculty there for a while. Afterwards she joined the BYU Home Economics Education Department where she taught Research Methods and oversaw the student teachers from that department. While there she also taught statistics and some religion courses. She earned a Ph.d in education at BYU and ultimately was the Chair of the Home Economics Education Department for a number of years before she retired from teaching.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Illa Lewis, her husband, Art, and her two brothers Keith and Lloyd. She is survived by her two daughters, Anne Rowley (Kenneth Ian) Berns, Jenefer Rowley, her sister Dorothy Ann Lewis (Samuel K.) Ah Quin, and one granddaughter, Haylee Nelia Berns. Many friends and relatives also survive her.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 at the River Ridge 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1244 West Chavez Drive in South Jordan, Utah. Those wishing to have flowers delivered to the meeting house may do so between 8:30 and 9:30 am. The viewing will begin at 9:30 am followed by the funeral at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at the Charlestown Cemetery located at 2800 U.S. 189 in Charleston, Wasatch County, Utah.
What’s your fondest memory of Maxine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maxine?
Share a story where Maxine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maxine you’ll never forget.
How did Maxine make you smile?

