Alma Irene (Crider) Rowden 1922-2008

Alma Irene Rowden passed away October 17, 2008 in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla, at the age of 86 years.

Alma was born January 9, 1922, in Vienna, Mo., to the late Jesse Logan and Dora Belle (Byrd) Crider.

Alma accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age, and attended the Ft. Wood Church of God since its beginning. Her church family looked upon her as their “prayer warrior” because even during her long illness, Alma always kept her positive outlook, prayed for others and sent more get well cards to others than anyone else.

On November 15, 1936, in Vienna, Alma was united in marriage to Earl J. Rowden. To this union two children were born, Betty Lou and Billy Don. Both Earl and Billy preceded her in death.

Alma was a talented seamstress, and was able to make a career using this gift. She was a civil service employee for many years at Ft. Leonard Wood in clothing issue. She enjoyed reading, music and spending time with her family and church family.

Alma will be greatly missed by her daughter: Betty Belton and husband, Bob of St. Robert; grandson: Steve Belton and wife, Joy of Osage Beach; granddaughter: Wendy O’Brennan and husband, Gerry of Rolla; great grandchildren: Bobby and Lindsy Belton and Stefanie, Kelsey, and Shane O’Brennan; several nieces, nephews and many friends.

In addition to her parents, husband and son, Alma was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters: Leslie, Chesley, William, Jane, Mae and Violet.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 in the Church of God – St. Robert with Pastor William Kempen and Pastor Jeff Combs officiating. Pianist Janette Cox played a beautiful medley of several songs and accompanied Soloist Wendy O’Brennan as she sang “Born to Serve the Lord.” Wendy, Alma’s granddaughter, also sang “Hear My Worship.” Serving as escorts were Steve Belton, Bobby Belton, Al Crider, Keith Crider, Gerry O’Brennan, Shane O’Brennan and Larry Rowden.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alma Rowden to the Church of God – St. Robert Building Fund and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.