Emilie Ellen (Rowland) Dell, 84, McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully February 2, 2024 at Norterre Laurel Memory Care in Liberty, MO. Emilie was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated and passionate teacher and friend.
Born on October 1, 1939 in Hutchinson, KS, Emilie was the youngest of six kids. She grew up on the farm helping with chores and learning lifelong skills. Emilie started first grade at the age of four and graduated from Buhler HS at the age of sixteen. She attended Hutchinson Community College and was a part of the last graduating class to receive a teaching degree in just two years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education from McPherson College.
Emilie married Rev. Robert (Bob) Dell, in 1961 in Hutchinson, KS. Emilie and Bob lived in many places, and she was always active in her local church and school. She taught elementary for several years, came home to raise her four children until they entered school and then she returned to teaching. Emilie received her master’s in Special Education which she taught until she retired. Her children all married and blessed her with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Grand mothering was a major interest.
After retirement, Emilie and Bob returned home to McPherson, KS. She enjoyed weekend outings with her husband, hosting and traveling to visit family and friends, working in her garden, living a healthy lifestyle, singing, reading, all while being active in her church and community. Emilie once wrote, “I do not ever remember a time when faith in God and a spiritual life were not part of my life.”
Preceded in death by husband of 58 years, Robert W. Dell; parents: William Vincent Rowland, Wilma (Roberson) Rowland Evans; stepfather: Carl J. Evans; sisters: Marjorie Rowland Ensz, Ruth Rowland Hoffman; brother: Howard Rowland.
Survived by her brothers: Clyde(Jean) Rowland, Charles Rowland; her children: Krista(Bruce) Wine, Jay(Heather) Dell, Melia(Kevin) Jones, Sean(Jane) Dell; grandchildren: Dinae(Stephen) Chichester, Micah(Annie) Wine, Adrian Wine, Camden(Jaycee) Wine, Bryson Wine, Miranda
Jones, Keenan Wine, Chloe Dell, Kirsten Wine, Noah Jones, Sophie Dell; great-grandchildren: Carrie Chichester, Reuben Chichester, Mycaiah Chichester, Simeon Chichester, Kristiana Chichester, Solomon Chichester, Izzibella Wine, Evangeline Chichester, Malichi Wine, Jonathan Chichester, Michael Wine, Eli Wine.
Emilie was a bright light and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
A Celebration of life is planned for the afternoon of June 29, 2024 at the McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson, KS. If you feel led, Memorial contributions in Emilie Dell’s name can be made to the McPherson Church of the Brethren for outreach or plant a tree in Emilie’s memory.