Christine Cheryl Rowland

Chris Rowland, better known as Momma, Momma Rowland, the Queen Bee, or just Mom, left this earthly plain and entered the loving arms of her Savior on July 21, 2023. She was born Christine Cheryl Zatrepalek, in Oroville, California to Mildred McVey (Schwartz, later Braten). Momma Rowland had two brothers older than her, Raymond and Chuck McVey. She moved with her mother, and her aunt Estelle Schwartz, to the Ephrata/Soap Lake area. There her mother married Frank Braten and moved to the area of Lakeview Park, outside of Soap Lake. Momma Rowland was then blessed with three more siblings; Fred, Gaylee, and Bill Braten. With Joe and Viola Green, Momma Rowland attended the First Baptist Church in Soap Lake, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. It was this life change that molded her life to one of service and love. She was very active throughout the years with the church. Her best friend from childhood, Linda (Nickerson) Hoffman, and she did everything together. Momma Rowland graduated from the Soap Lake High school in 1966, and then attended Mr. Lee's Beauty Academy. She faithfully and skillfully cared for the hair of her clientele for over 50 years. She even managed beauty salons in Ephrata - one for Art Brosit, and another for Russell Sage. It was during this time that she met Bobby (Bob) Dale Rowland through family friends, Niel and Barb Rowe. After some time together, Momma Rowland and Bob were married on January 9, 1976. Bob was a popular disc jockey with KULE radio in Ephrata and Momma Rowland had a successful career in Ephrata. They decided to adopt a child. On May 11, 1979, their son, Justin Dale Rowland, was born, and delivered to them on May 14 1979. After 18 months of foster care and court proceedings, Justin was officially theirs as a Rowland. During this time, Momma Rowland went into business for herself, having one of the bedrooms in their home in Soap Lake converted to a beauty salon. Thus began the 40+ year career of Chris' Beauty Box. Her business card read "If your hair is not becoming, you should be coming to me!" She always had a great sense of humor. Momma Rowland and Bob divorced in 1991. Not being one to wallow, Momma Rowland kept herself busy by joining the Soap Lake City Council, where she served as council member, and Mayor Pro-Tem, for 12 1/2 years. She was an EMT-B for the Soap Lake Ambulance Service for 11 years, including being the co-supervisor of the ambulance. She was also one of the founding board members of the Grant Transit Authority. Momma Rowland revolved her life around service to God, service to family, and service to others. Her favorite Bible verse was Galatians 2:20; "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet no I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." In later years, Momma Rowland slowed down with her extracurricular activities, however, her house was always full of friends and family. She was well known for her beaming smile, her warm hugs, her attentive ear, and her words of council and love, and fantastic meals! While she had only one legal child, there are at least 20 extra that she considered her "kids." There was always room at the dinner table, always room on the sofas, hide a bed, or sleeping bags for the extra kids that would be spending the night, the weekend, or the month. Momma Rowland never turned a child away. All were welcome, and parents were always informed that their kids were with her. Momma Rowland was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred Braten, aunt Estelle Wallace, aunt Louise Nero, Uncle Eddie Schwartz, foster parents Joe and Viola Green, one of her many additional bonus kids Matthew Bixler, and life long best friend Linda Hoffman. She is survived by her son Justin Rowland of Moses Lake, siblings Raymond McVey of California, Chuck McVey of Veradale, Fred Braten of Rhode Island, Gaylee Mackie of Idaho, Bill (Debbie) Braten of Idaho, numerous the Rowland family whom she was still close with, numerous cousins, and friends that were very much family. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Central Washington Hospital (Dr. O'Sullivan), Columbia Basin Hospital, and the staff, and residents, of McKay Healthcare and Rehab. In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts can be made to one of the two organizations that were close to Momma Rowland; The McKay Healthcare and Rehab Activities or Spokane Shriners Hospital for Children.

Tributes

Christine Cheryl Rowland

October 20, 1947 - July 21, 2023