Lillian Rowland

ALL FUNERAL SERVICES FOR LILLIAN ROWLAND HAVE BEEN CANCELLED 

Lillian Rowland passed away peacefully last week at the age of 90. A true “Coal Miner’s Daughter”, she was the fourth of seven children born to Noah and Lizzie Eldridge in the coal mining hills of Eastern Kentucky. Her early life in Appalachia taught her the value of hard work and the importance of family and faith.

Lil, as she would later be called, became known as a “Caney Girl” after enrolling at Alice Lloyd Caney Creek School at the age of 14. After earning her teaching certificate two years later, Lillian began her career as an educator leading students from all eight grades in a one room schoolhouse in the mountains. She was likely not much older than some of the students she taught. One year later, Lil furthered her education at Eastern Kentucky University before moving to Ohio with friends she met at the college.

It was in Ohio that she met and married her first husband, Charles Wells. They would have two children together, Tim and Beth. Several years later Lil became a single mom when Charles passed away on her 38th birthday.

Lillian raised her two children on her teacher’s salary while also attending Wright State University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Lil taught school for over 30 years! Lil was determined to be the best in everything she did.

In the late 1970’s, Dewey Rowland, also from Kentucky and living in Ohio, had the good fortune to meet and marry Lillian. They retired and moved to Somerset where she made many life-long friends. There she enjoyed playing bridge, golf, and cross stitching. Lil and Dewey always had a garden with tomatoes and white half runner beans! Somerset is also where her love of Kentucky Wildcat basketball became an obsession! After a love-filled and adventurous life together, Dewey passed away. Lil stayed in Kentucky until finally moving back to Ohio to be closer to Beth and her husband Erich. A stroke in 2020 took her independence and her voice, but not her ability to see, hear, and direct the room. Even after the stroke, Lil always recognized her family and had a big smile for them whenever they came in the room. Beth and Erich provided the best of loving care for Lil for many, many years.

Lillian was blessed with eleven grandchildren (Krisi, Laura, Aubree, Kerry, Daniel, Sara Carly, Stephen, Alexis, Brandi and Jesse) and many great grandchildren as well. She also had very special relationships with her daughter-in-law Kathie and son-in-law Erich. In addition, Lil (affectionately known as “Sis”) remained very close to her brothers and sister throughout her life. She is survived by brothers Harlin, Herbert, and Edgar and was very close to her sister Martha up until her passing. For Sis, family was always first. She loved all of you very much. 

Lillian created a beautiful life and a lasting legacy of love for her family and friends that will live on for generations to come. If you are reading this, I am sure you knew her and that she touched your life as well. We encourage you to take time now and then to remember her laugh, her smile, and her love for you and thank God for her.