Arlene Beverly ”Bev” Rowles, 88 of Pleasantville, Ohio passed away Monday, January 22, 2024. She was born on July 12, 1935, to John Wesley and Ruth Johnston Thomas. Bev graduated from Millersport High School in 1953 and from The Ohio State University in 1957 with a Degree in Home Economics Education. During her time at OSU, she caught the eye of a young farmer who made a proposal and after graduation in 1957, they were married on one of the hottest days in July. She was the Executive Director for Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County from 1976 to 1998. During that time the program grew significantly, and many people were served in Fairfield County. Beverly also served on the COAAA (Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging) Advisory Board, the Ohio State Extension Advisory Committee (as well as the county and district extension advisory committees), the Fairfield County District Library Board and was the Coordinator of the Fairfield County Fair “Mom of the Year” contest for 20 years. She was a 70-year member of Pleasant Grange, Eastern Star, Farm Bureau Council, and a member of the Millersport Methodist Church. She was always known for her smile, and she never really knew a stranger. Beverly was predeceased by her parents and two siblings Merle and Melvin Thomas. Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 66 years Edward Rowles, children Kenneth (Denise) Rowles, Keith (Carolyn) Rowles and Diane (John) Sommers, 7 Grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, (with 2 more on the way), 2 sisters, Barbara Van Scoy and Karen (James) Reed. The family would like to thank everyone at Altercare Thornville for their compassionate care during Beverly’s stay and the caregivers from FAIRHOPE Hospice. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 29th at 11:00 am at the Halteman-Fett and Dyer Funeral Home in Lancaster, Ohio. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may visit Sunday, January 28th from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the funeral home and 1 hour before the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Beverly’s memory may be given to either Meals on Wheels – Older Adult Alternatives of Fairfield County, Inc., 1515 Cedar Hill Road, Lancaster, OH 43130 or to FAIRHOPE Hospice 282 Sells Rd, Lancaster, OH 43130.
