HARMONY – Ashley N. Rowell, 87, passed away Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006, at his home. Ashley was born March 4, 1919, the oldest of five children, to Alice and Hugh Rowell. He grew up in Harmony, was educated in the Harmony schools and graduated in 1935. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His travels included Egypt, India, Cuba and the Panama Canal. He met and married Betty Barker of Athens and they made their permanent residence in Harmony, where they raised four children, David, Deborah, Timothy and Randy. Ashley was very active in the community, serving as third selectman, first selectman and town treasurer, respectively. He also served faithfully at the Harmony Baptist Church as a deacon and trustee and was on the Harmony School Board for one term. His personal interests included hunting, fishing, gardening, beekeeping and farming. At various times he practiced his business skills by raising chickens, selling eggs, honey, raspberries and raising cattle. He had a passion for watching the Boston Red Sox. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Rowell of Harmony; four children and their spouses, David and Pam Rowell of South Portland, Craig and Deborah Lombard of Grinnell, Iowa, Tim and Meredith Rowell of Williamsburg, Va., and Randy Rowell of Harmony; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two brothers and their spouses, Bob and Mary Rowell of Madison and Richard and Maureen Rowell of Greenfield Center, N.Y.; a sister, Anna Byrd of Midland, Texas; several cousins, nieces and nephews. He thoroughly enjoyed his family and we will miss him greatly. He was predeceased by his brother, Charles; and his parents. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Harmony Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Harmony Baptist Church. Interment will be held at the Libby Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Smart and Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ashley Rowell Memorial Fund, care of Harmony Baptist Church, P.O. Box 5, Harmony, ME 04942.
ASHLEY N. ROWELL
