Mary Anne (Rowley) Watson

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024 our Heavenly Father welcomed one of his most ardent supporters, Mary Anne (Rowley) Watson passed from this life at BSA Hospital in Amarillo following a lengthy illness, She was met by her parents, Robert and Winifred Rowley; brother Jim Rowley; and beloved grandson Collin Rowley.

Mary Anne was born in Wichita, KS to the aforementioned on October 4, 1941. A life-long adherent to the Catholic Church, Mary Anne attended St, Anne’s Catholic Schools in her hometown of Tucumcari, NM. She then proceeded to Tucumcari Junior and High Schools following the 8th grade. Ultimately, Mary Anne graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Shawnee, KS in May, 1959. Following a break to marry, give birth and raise her loving children, she attended Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell, where she earned her Nursing degree in 1982. Mary Anne then returned to her hometown, Tucumcari, where she worked at the Quay County Health Department from 1983-1990. In 1990, she returned to College, attending ENMU-Portales, where she was awarded A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Following her graduation, she relocated to Amarillo and worked at NW Texas Healthcare Systems as a Nurse Manager. In 1994, Mary Anne accepted an RN position at Seward County Health Department in Liberal, KS until her retirement, due to health reasons, in 2001.

Mary Anne, affectionately known to all, as “Gammy”, then went about doing what she did best…loved. As a lifelong follower of Christ, she did her ultimate best in mirroring his teachings with a focus on his love for all of us. She taught, mentored, learned, and shared a powerful spirit. She was inspiring, yet easily inspired herself. She enjoyed books and movies. She was charismatic about shopping and Church, Always finding the perfect gift and making it an adventure, Always inspiring those in her Church community with her calming and indomitable faith. She was a “Fashionista” when young, more practical as she aged, and later, just appreciated a comfortable set of pajamas. Mary Anne could be a firecracker when one of her “herd” was threatened, through some misdeed. With that, she had a remarkable strength of will. Her resilience and determination were evident throughout her life. Whether facing obstacles or personal challenges, her strong willpower allowed her to stand firm in her beliefs, but did so with grace and dignity. Mary Anne was most of all, a kind and caring person, She gave the best hugs and was unapologetic in her affection.

Uncompromising in her faith, service to God and others, Mary Anne who loved all her family and friends leaves behind her beloved Sister in Christ, Martha (Rowley) Modisette and Freddy Modisette of Clovis, NM. Sister-In-Law, Marilyn Rowley of Scottsdale, AZ. Children; Greg Rowley of Tucumcari, NM, Deanne and Aldron Mckinney of Tucumcari and Gwen and Justin Rawlins of Hugoton.

Her beloved grandchildren; Kelsey and Derek Idsinga of Roswell, NM, Tysen Mckinney of Tucumcari, Shayla Rowley of Austin, TX, Gabby and Vance Thompson of Hugoton, Johanna and Cory Fischer of Hugoton, and Kerrigan and Coy Nix of Hugoton. She was blessed with an extraordinary Niece, Hillary and Celso Franco of Liberal, and Nephews Zach and Christina Brown of Liberal and Robert and Amanda Rowley of Scottsdale, AZ. Gammy was adored by her 7 great grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and many significant family friends.

A Holy Rosary and Funeral Mass will be conducted at St. Helens Catholic Church, Hugoton, KS beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday July 6th. Following the services, Mary Anne will be interred at Restlawn Memorial Gardens of Liberal, KS under the direction of Kelly Miller of Henson- Novak Funeral Directors, Guymon, OK and Roberts Brothers Funeral Home on July 6th at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flower any memorial donations should be sent in her name to Pheasant Heaven Charities of Hugoton, KS or with PayPal to [email protected]

A Life Lived in Love is a Life Lived Well, Thanks Mom, for loving all of us.

Friends and family may sign the online guest book or leave a condolence at www.robertsbrothersfuneralhome.com.