Thelma Jean Rowley

Thelma Jean Rowley, 84, passed away January 8, 2026, in Monroe, Utah. She was born June 1, 1941, in Richfield, Utah, to William Herman and Ruth Roskelley Rowley. She was the second child in the family, following her big sister Ann. Ten years later, after many prayers by both girls, her younger sister Marjorie was born. Jean grew up in a safe, secure, and loving family.

She attended school in Richfield, graduating from Richfield High in 1959. In the fall of that year, she enrolled at Utah State University in Logan and excelled in her chosen field. Upon graduation, she received degrees in elementary and secondary education as well as a minor in psychology.

Jean was a master teacher with her first year teaching in Richfield at her old school, Ashman Elementary. She later transferred to the Granite School District in the Salt Lake City area and excelled as a teacher there, also with both regular and special education.

She had an extraordinary talent with the children in special education - giving these kids and their families the loving discipline and understanding they would need to be able to go further in their own lives.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a ward Relief Society president in a large Salt Lake Valley singles Ward.

Her life changed when, unfortunately, she suffered a severe back injury, which ended her teaching career. She moved back home to Richfield to convalesce, but was never able to return to the classroom. She mentioned on many occasions how much she missed “her kids”.

She was able to continue teaching as an instructor with the local Family History Center and as an genealogy instructor in her ward. She also worked in the Primary and also provided private tutoring to children who needed a little more encouragement along the way.

Jean's life of service also included caring for her parents for more than 20 years as they aged. She was the “go to person” for any neighbor who needed help with anything from assisting with prescriptions to doctor's visits, or just lending an ear. She was a wonderful aunt, helping with her sister Marjorie’s children as they grew up just two blocks away.

Jean is survived by her sisters: Ann and brother-in-law, Jerry Smith of Las Vegas, NV, and Marjorie and brother-in-law, Van Waggoner of Anchorage, AK; nieces and nephews: Rebecca, Stephen, Lela, Thyne, and Tanielle; great-nieces and nephews: Julia, James, Alex, Caspian, Danica, Kira, McKenna, and Ellora. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a nephew, Richard Smith, and brother-in-law, David Hacking.

Graveside services are pending for Monday, with burial in the Richfield City Cemetery. Further Information will be announced by Magleby Mortuary of Richfield, Manti, & Salina.

Online guestbook www.maglebymortuary.com