Mary J. Rowland

Mary J. Rowland, 75 of Sparta, died Saturday, November 23, 2013 at St. Mary’s Health Center, Grand Rapids. Mary was born October 20, 1938 in Kent City, MI the daughter of Horace and Gertrude (Veltkamp) Middleton. She worked for Sparta Public Schools for 40 years. She enjoyed bird watching, flowers, gardening and her cat, Molly. Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Robin Monroe; grandchildren, Jill Monroe, Dominic (Kristin) Passarelli, Angelo Passarelli; stepfather, Ramon Hunter; sister, Helen Lebeck. She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven; mother, Gertrude Hunter; son, Lyle Monroe. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, where services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 pm. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment Elmwood Cemetery, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Sparta Public Schools.