Rowlene Birt

Rowlene Marian Birt, the daughter of Jens Peter and Fannie Marie (Briles) Nelsen, was born July 25, 1927 in Anita, IA. She entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at her home in Prescott, IA., at the age of 87 years.
Rowlene graduated from Corning High School with the class of 1945. On January 2, 1945, Rowlene married Duane Birt at Atchison, Kansas. Rowlene was a homemaker and farmwife. She enjoyed growing strawberries and tending to her vegetable garden and fruit trees. She spent many hours canning the results of her hard work. She enjoyed sewing and embroidery work. She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. In her younger years she was known as the “Bear Lady” to the children of Prescott, for her storytelling.
Rowlene was an active member of the Prescott United Church where she performed many roles. She served as the Secretary and President of the United Church Women. She belonged to the Prescott Order of Eastern Star. She was the Past President of the Prescott PTA. She was involved with the Prescott Athletic and Band Boosters, and also served as a den mother. Rowlene and Duane served as Grand Marshalls at a Prescott Septemberfest in 1998.
Left to cherish Rowlene’s memory are her children; Janet (Bill) Briley, Lee’s Summitt, MO; and Bill (Jeanne) Birt, Prescott, IA; Five Grandchildren; Douglas (Michelle) Birt, Prescott, IA; Nicole (Joel) Boswell, West Des Moines, IA; Matthew (Ashley) Briley, Blue Springs, MO; Mark (Carrie) Briley, Bixby, OK; Kristin (Drew) Antonucci, Lee’s Summitt, MO; Eleven Great-grandchildren; Cody and Ally Birt; Bailey and Chase Boswell; Jackson, Charlotte and Bennett Briley; Morgan, Dane and Hayes Briley; Gianni Antonucci. Rowlene is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relative and friends. Rowlene was a loving wife for 70 years, loving mother, grandmother, and sister. She will be missed by many.
Preceding Rowlene in death were her parents; her husband Duane on May 9, 2015, her son Steven Duane Birt; sisters; Thelma Chilcott and Neva King; brother; Gail Nelsen ; brothers-in-law; Glen Chilcott and Cliff King.