Nancy Montgomery Rowley

Nancy Ruth Montgomery Rowley, of Longmont, CO, passed away on Sunday, July 16th following a gallant battle against cancer. She was 84. Nancy was born in Superior, NE on March 3, 1939 to Arlo “Monty” and Ruby Montgomery. At age six, Nancy and family moved to Hebron, NE in 1944. It was there that she first set her sights on seven-year-old local fisherman, “Corky” Rowley. Nancy and Corky soon became friends and through the years found that life with one another was most beautiful. A 78-year love affair! Nancy attended and graduated from Hebron High School in 1957. She was active in Drama Club, cheerleading, as a twirler in the band and excelled in friendships and academics. Nancy was crowned Queen of Job’s Daughters due to her dedication to youth leadership and philanthropic endeavors. She ventured on to the University of Nebraska where she graduated with a B.S. in Teaching in 1961. While there, Nancy was active in Alpha Phi sorority. She taught at Prescott Elementary in Lincoln, NE which coincidentally, was the same school her youngest daughter, CeCe, much later completed her student teaching. Nancy married Claude “Cork” Rowley on August 14, 1960. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Cory (1962), Casey (1964) and CeCe (1968).

In 1967 Nancy, Cork and family moved to Colorado. Later in life, during the cold Colorado months you’d find Nancy and Cork in Scottsdale, AZ enjoying golf, cousin reunions, friends and family. Travel was Nancy’s passion. She traveled throughout Europe, New Zealand, Africa, and the United States. Cork and Nancy’s nine African Safaris contributed to her love of African culture and people. She left a part of her heart in Kenya with the children she sponsored through the Changing Lenses Changing Lives organization. Nancy donated her time to many charitable organizations; the Sunshine Club, Longmont Symphony Orchestra, The Our Center, The Round Pantry at Westview Presbyterian Church, A Woman's Work, and the DI Chapter of PEO. Nancy inspired friends, family members and many she didn’t know to “pull-tabs” from beverage and soup cans in support of the Ronald McDonald House.

Nancy was a life-long avid reader. She was loving, kind, generous, fun-spirited and always willing to lend a helping hand. She cherished time with her friends. Nancy filled her calendar with Bridge and Mahjong games, The Fox Hill Club Women’s Golf League and Centennial Lanes Bowling League. She was inducted into the Longmont Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame for her many years of service as the League’s President. She treasured family time during the holidays; she always spearheaded a lively round of Shanghai, the family’s favorite card game. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and rarely missed one of their sporting or school events. Nancy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Cork, daughters, Casey Hemphill (Jeff) of Littleton, Cory Morales and CeCe Balman, both of Firestone, seven grandchildren; Courtney Howard (Justin), Crystal Morales, Clint and Chloe Hemphill, Jaron, Chase and Carson Balman and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, John Curtis “Jack” Montgomery, parents Monty and Ruby Montgomery, grandson Tyler Schell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Tru Hospice Care, Westview Presbyterian Church, or A Woman's Work. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Westview Presbyterian Church, 1500 Hover Street, Longmont CO followed by a Celebration of Life open house at The Fox Hill Club, 1400 State Highway 119, Longmont CO. To attend Nancy’s service virtually, go to https://bit.ly/NRMR3339.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Rowley family.