Melvin Haws Rowley's Obituary
Melvin Haws Rowley
1932 - 2016
Melvin Haws Rowley passed away Thursday, February 4, 2016. He was born on December 6, 1932 to Jesse Noah Thomas Rowley and Martha Haws Rowley in Mesa, Arizona. He spent his early years learning to work hard with his father and 17 siblings on the farm. He met Dixie Cronin at the local A&W Root Beer stand when she was just 14. They married just after her 16th birthday on December 25th, 1953 and were sealed in the Mesa Temple on December 17, 1954.
Their first daughter Athena was born a year and a half later and she was followed by 5 sons. The growing family moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas in 1972 and Melvin began to clear and cultivate the land and build a home for his family. There they were blessed with another little boy. In 1975 Dixie was nearly killed in a horrible tractor accident but her life was spared through the power of the priesthood. The family witnessed miracles as she not only survived but defied the doctor’s prognosis and walked again. They also defied medical opinions and had two more children including another daughter, Sabrina. Melvin and Dixie traveled the country searching for a diagnosis and cure for Sabrina’s condition. Eventually they moved back to Arizona where they were somewhat closer to Sabrina’s doctor In Oregon and finally settled in Idaho near their oldest son Marvin and his family.
Melvin loved gardening and setting up his annual Christmas village and light display. His other hobbies included archery and building things with his hands. He served faithfully in every calling he was given in the church. He adored his wife and eternal sweetheart. He was famous for his patience in shopping with her. Everyone loved to see Melvin and Dixie holding hands and matching on Sundays with his tie coordinated perfectly with her dress.
Melvin was tireless in his service, especially to Sabrina, spending many nights sitting awake holding her so that she could sleep. Then he would get up and spend all day working in the heat without a complaint. Sometimes all she wanted was her father’s hands to stroke her hair and give her a priesthood blessing. Because of her parent’s care, Sabrina lived a full life until she passed away from her disease on March 12, 2005. Melvin and Dixie continued to live in Emmett, Idaho. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2013. A year ago they moved to Highland, Utah to be closer to Ty
and Lin and begin treatment after Melvin’s diagnosis.
Melvin fought valiantly against the cancer that eventually took his life, joking with his hospice caregivers and pulling himself up on his exercise bar until the last few days of his life. He slipped away peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Melvin is survived by his wife Dixie and his sisters Lela Abegg and Lynn Gerung; his children Athena Peters (Tony), Marvin (Laree), Merlin (Patti), Ty (Malinda), Stan (Tia), Lin (Deborah), Var (Jacque) and Jared (Cheyenne). Melvin adored his 65 surviving grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sabrina and granddaughter Kylie along with his parents and 16 siblings. As a family, we are confident that Dad/Granddad’s reunion with his family (especially his little girls) was joyous and we look forward to joining them when our own journey is complete!
Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the LDS Church Building on 1249 South 48th Street., Mesa, AZ. A viewing will be held at the church Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. There will be no viewing prior to the service on Saturday. Interment at the Mesa City Cemetery.
Flowers can be sent c/o Merlin Rowley 1409 South Nassau Mesa, Arizona 85206
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melvin’s name to support research on his daughter Sabrina’s disease: IFOPA.org.
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