Neita Aline Rowell

Neita Aline Rowell was born July 10, 1926 in Emporia, Kansas the daughter of Charles D. and Ruth M. Walker. She passed away on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Vista Mesa Assisted Living in Cortez. She was 92. The family would like to thank all the staff at Vista Mesa for all they have done and all the kindness they have shown.
Neita married Joe T. Rowell on May 31, 1946 in Monte Vista, Colorado. They would spend 48 years together until Joe’s death in 1995.
Surviving Neita are sons Tom Rowell of Dolores, CO; Terry Rowell and wife Verna of Aztec, NM; her brother Larry Walker and wife Pat of Montrose, CO; her four granddaughters, Caity Rowell and Travis Willbanks of Cortez, CO; Jenni Rowell and Alex Grubb of Belgrade, MT; Kristin McDonald and husband Jason of Farmington, NM; Kelly Mark and husband Chris of Long Beach, CA; and three great grandchildren, Brynn and Kori McDonald and Mason Mark. Neita was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
The family had a cabin at Trout Lake for many years and would always stop at the Sportsman Center in Dolores for supplies before heading up the hill. On one such trip they noticed a “For Sale” sign in the window. After owning and operating B & R Sporting Goods in Farmington, NM for a number of years it wasn’t long before they became Dolores business people. They bought the Sportsman Center in 1977 and set up shop.
Both Joe and Neita were very active in the community. Joe was the driving force behind the development of the park that now proudly bears his name. Neita was a very active member of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church for over 40 years. She also began meeting and greeting visitors to the Dolores Visitor’s Center when it began in 1992. She was a reliable volunteer for 20 years. Neita was an avid bridge player. She was one of the regulars at the weekly games at the Ponderosa restaurant. She didn’t win all the time but it’s said she won her fair share. In her younger days she enjoyed walking. She was one of the founders of the Dolores Street Walkers. Old timers around Dolores will remember that crazy group of gals. Neita was also a proud member of the Red Hat Dolores Dollies. She enjoyed life.
Neita loved this little town of Dolores. She loved the many friends she made over the years, but her biggest joy was her family. Her four granddaughters meant more to her than anything in the world. She was so proud. She will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Dolores. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org. Help fight this horrible disease.
Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. To send condolences or to view the full obituary, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.