Dorothy Jane (Messer) Rowley

Born in Cedar City, UT, on September 21st, 1931, Dorothy Jane Messer came as a surprise to her parents, Joseph Henry and Sarah Messer.  She would be the oldest of four children. 

Dorothy’s family continued to reside in Cedar City where she completed her early education. Her parents did not motivate her with her education but she knew she needed to attend. She grew up during World War II and the Great Depression and it resulted in hard times for her family. When she graduated from high school, Dorothy went to college for a short time until she could find a full time job, which was hard at that time.  Finding a job eventually led to bigger blessings for Dorothy.

First meeting at a college dance but wanting to know more about Dorothy, Collins N. Rowley stopped by Dorothy’s work and sipped on a root beer float until he was able to walk her home. It was not until years later, and through many letters, that Collins and Dorothy were married on September 28th, 1951. After a quick honeymoon, Collins left due to his draft into the Army, which took them to Anchorage, Alaska, for a short time.  

Eventually life led Collins and Dorothy to Mesa, AZ. Dorothy stayed at home for a while to raise their three children, Marilee, Lorraine, and Clark. This was a time that Dorothy grew in talents as she learned to grow a garden in the desert, preserve what she could, and sew most of her family's clothing.  She was the true definition of a homemaker!

Later on, Dorothy received her Master of Arts in Education and was a Reading Specialist for many years at Powell Jr. High in Mesa.  Ironically, Dorothy did not have a positive relationship with reading in her younger years but as time went by, her love for adventure, mystery, and more grew with many bookshelves full of books. 

After retiring, Dorothy and Collins built a little home in Shumway, AZ, where they spent the rest of their days with their children and grandchildren.  Dorothy served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints with Collins and served in many other capacities as faithful Saints. Dorothy loves her Savior and had a testimony of His Atonement. 

A few weeks shy of her 94th birthday, Dorothy was relieved of her physical body on September 9th, 2025.  Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Marilee (Bob) and son, Clark (Angie). She is also very proud of her 14 grandchildren, (almost) 38 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Dorothy is grateful for the reunions on the other side of the veil which include her husband, Collins N. Rowley, daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Lyman Roy Solomon, and grandson, Joseph Rowley. 

Family will celebrate Dorothy’s life at the Reed Hatch Memorial Cemetery in Taylor, AZ, at 11:30am on September 13, 2025. 

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