Wellersburg, PA – Althea “Pete” C. Rowley passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at Devlin Manor, Cumberland, MD, after a lengthy battle with dementia.

 She was born on April 14, 1931, daughter of the late Winfield “Red” and Helen (Cochran) Thompson.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William “Bill” Rowley, on February 5, 2015, a grandson, Trevor Rowley, and three brothers, Glenn Thompson Sr., Wayne Thompson, and Bill Thompson.

 She is survived by her sons, Darrell Thomas and wife Lisa of Wellersburg, and William Eric and wife Jill of Finzel; grandchildren, Erica Rowley of Rockville, Matthew William Rowley and LaTisha Edgar of Finzel, and Claire Rowley of

Wellersburg.  She is also survived by sisters Elaine Logsdon and husband Terry of Hyndman, Louise Martz and husband Dale of Meyersdale, Jean Kraizel of South Carolina, Kate Varner of Ohio and Winnie Martz and husband Paul of Hyndman, and a brother, Ed Thompson and wife Lana of Wellersburg; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 She was a 1948 graduate of Hyndman High School.  She was a homemaker and was also active in the family carpet business, greeting many customers and taking endless phone messages.  Family was everything to her. Her main focus was her grandchildren, followed closely by her “Sissies” and brothers.  Her annual 4th of July picnic, which she hosted for 58 years, was her favorite event.  She spent weeks preparing her flower beds and cleaning so she could host her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews for a picnic followed by fireworks provided by the Wellersburg Fire Department.

 Nana was always there for babysitting duties and for her grandchildren’s many events.  She was always ready for a shopping trip to Altoona with her Sissies or to go out to lunch.  You never know when you would find a cute bear or a tin chicken to add to your collection! (or a purse or a pair of shoes or a piece of jewelry or a watch!)

The family feels so blessed to have had many relative and friends over the last several years who actively participated in Pete’s care, especially her sister Lanie, sister-in-law Marcia, cousin Kay, neighbor Karen, and our very special care-giver

Anne Streiby, who God sent our way and without whom we never would have been able to survive.

 Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Friday at 11 a.m. with Ken Korns officiating

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wellersburg District Volunteer Fire Department, 125 Fire Hall Road, Hyndman 15545.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zeiglerfuneralhome.com.