Rowena Frances (Thompson) Keener, 83, passed away on Wednesday morning, June 8, 2016, at her home in Great Bend after a long battle with cancer. Born on Sept. 16, 1932, at Lincoln, Neb., she was the daughter of George Ellis and Freida Madeline (Hackstadt) Thompson. A resident of Great Bend since the early 1950’s she worked in the laundry at Central Kansas Medical Center in Great Bend for many years. Rowena loved to sew, enjoyed quilting, tole painting, and crocheting.
Survivors include two daughters, Freda F. Chapman of Great Bend and Paula S. Keener of LaCrosse; three sons, John W. Keener of Great Bend, William L. Keener and wife, Brenda, of La Crosse, and Dalton L. Keener and wife, Barbara, of Pawnee Rock; 15 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and one on the way; one brother, Keith M. Thompson of Otis; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a younger brother Gordon E. Thompson; and a great-grandson, Ethan Gentry Riley Keener.
According to Rowena’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorial Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, at the Pawnee Rock Cemetery in Pawnee Rock. A Celebration of Life will be held mid-afternoon on June 18, at Paula’s home in La Crosse. Memorials may be made in care of the Heartland Cancer Center in Great Bend. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 10, 2016