Carolyn Rowden
December 8, 1949 ~ January 22, 2023
Carolyn Rowden, 73, of Wichita, KS passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023. She was born on December 8, 1949.
The daughter of Merle and Iva (Breiner) Harner, Carolyn married Paul Rowden on April 16, 1970, in Kansas City, KS. They moved to Wichita in 1976.
Carolyn obtained an associates degree in business from Neosho County Community College. She served as Financial Bookkeeper for Bishop Carroll Catholic High School for 8 years, Office Manager for Downing & Lahey Mortuary for 24 years and assisted Paul in their Beltone Hearing Aid businesses for 14 years which they retired from in 2021.
Carolyn loved to spend time with her family and was a selfless servant in all that she did. As a devout Catholic, she had an incredible love for the Mass and a strong devotion to our Blessed Mother, often praying the rosary for the intentions of others. Carolyn was looking forward to her retirement to pursue adventures with her family. She will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Iva Harner and survived by her husband, Paul Rowden; sons, Matthew and wife Marlo Rowden of Appleton, WI, Michael Rowden and Christopher Rowden all of Wichita, KS; daughter, Mary and husband Darin Drury of Rule, TX; sisters, Darlene and husband Richard Paul of Wichita, KS, Betty Harral of Perry, GA, Mary Frances Clevenger of Commerce, OK; brother, Edward Harner of Humboldt, KS; and four grandchildren.
Carolyn’s Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, January 27, 2023, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, January 28, 2023, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Graveside Service, 3:30 pm Saturday, January 28, 2023, at St. Joseph Cemetery, Humboldt, KS.
Memorials in her name may be made to the Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. St. Francis, Wichita, KS 67211.
Downing & Lahey Mortuary - West Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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I had the privilege of working with Carolyn for almost ten years at Downing & Lahey. She was sweet, caring, and considerate, not only with the families that she worked with at D & L, but also with all of us who were lucky enough to work with her.
My heart is so sad, yet knowing that she is with the Lord makes the sadness a little less. She gave me a pillow that hangs from a doorknob. It simply says “ Peace”. I think of her every time I go out the front door.
You are so very loved and missed, Carolyn.
Shelley
Such a sweet memory you shared, Shelley! She always seeked to be a peacemaker in her daily life. Thank you for being such a sweet friend to mom.
The Rowden family has a special place in my heart, truly steadfast in their faith and genuinely caring of others. Carolyn was so gracious and kind, her warm smile and goodness of soul will be sorely missed. She was so beautiful both inside and out. I love you and God bless💝
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Madeline ❤️
I will always remember Carolyn’s sweet smile whenever we ran into each other whether at church or more often, the grocery store! It was also a comfort to have her help at D&L when my parents passed. Jim & I offer heartfelt condolences to Paul & all the family. You will be in our thoughts & prayers! Lucia Biehler
Thank you for your sweet words, Lucia! We so appreciate your love and prayers. Blessings to you and your family.
Carolyn was a example of how we should all strive to be. Catholic and Christian to her core, loving to her family and friends, selfless in her helping others and professional in her work and Downing & Lahey. It was an honor to work with her and I’m humbled to call her colleague and friend. I’m lucky to have known her.
Thank you, Mike! I know you held such a special place in mom’s heart. Thank you for being such an amazing colleague and friend to her for so many years.
Dear Paul and family, Thinking of all the conversations we had about Tammy and Mary when in grade school. You were both so welcoming into your home and visited with Carolyn at Downing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Patti Monckton
Thank you, Patti! It was a blessing to see you at her funeral mass. Thank you for sharing her send off day with us and your kindness!