Lavada Joann Rowe

May 21, 1944 - October 19, 2023

Lavada Joann Rowe, 79, of Scranton, KS, passed away in Topeka, Kansas, on October 19, 2023. Lavada was born on May 21, 1944, to Vincent Dennis and Grace Lavada (Bird) Simmons in Great Bend, Kansas. Lavada was raised in Larned, Kansas, and she was the second oldest child of nine children. Lavada attended elementary, middle, and high school in Larned.

After Lavada graduated from Larned High School in 1962, she studied nursing and nursing records at Marymount College in Salina, Kansas. Following nursing school, she continued her education at Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas. She started her first job in Topeka at the Kansas Bureau of Vital Statistics in 1967.

On October 31, 1967 Lavada met Dale Rowe in Topeka. Lavada and Dale married in 1968 and have lived in Scranton, Kansas, for over 55 years. They had three children: Patricia, Carolyn, and Matthew. Lavada dearly loved her children and she was actively involved in their education and lives. She was a great seamstress, gardener, and cook. After raising her children, Lavada became a paraeducator. She was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Scranton, Kansas.

Lavada was predeceased in death by her parents and her brothers Patrick Simmons and Michael Simmons. She is survived by her husband, Dale of Scranton, KS, and her children, Paticia Rowe of Topeka, KS, Carolyn (Jeff) Boyer of Hoyt, KS, and Matthew (Amanda) Rowe of Carbondale, KS. Lavada has five grandchildren: Abigail Rowe, Ashlynn Rowe, Ava Rowe, Caleb Boyer, and Joie Boyer.

Lavada has 6 surviving siblings: Vince (Fran) Simmons of Garden City, Jerome (Robin) Simmons of Spring Hill, Joe (Jean) Simmons of Larned, Veronica (Steve) Holloman of Topeka, Monica (Larry) Schneweis of Dodge City, and Kevin (Leann) Simmons of Larned. On each of their birthdays and anniversaries, Lavada was the sibling who took the time to send cards and make phone calls wishing them all well. Lavada is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at The Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue located in the Topeka Zoo on Nov. 5th from 1 to 3 pm. Christian Burial will follow in Scranton Cemetery at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to organizations Lavada felt strongly about: The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas TX 75284-0692 and St. Patrick Catholic Church 309 South Sixth Street, Osage City KS 66523. Please mention these as memorials for Lavada Rowe of Scranton, Kansas. Checks should be made payable to the organization or church.