Clarence E Rowse

Clarence Elmer Rowse, 94, of Flora Vista, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, March 18, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born May 18, 1918 in Crosbyton, Texas to Charley and Mable Rowse.
He was raised in Crosbyton, TX, where he met La Vern Ross, his wife-to-be, while attending Crosbyton High School. On Sept. 7, 1941, Elmer and La Vern were married at the Baptist Church in Post, Texas. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage together.
They moved around Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona while Elmer was in the military. In 1947, they finally settled in Albuquerque, NM. Together, they owned and operated Elmer's Grill on Central Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets for 17 years. Grandmas was the waitress and Grandpa was the cook.
After they closed Elmer's Grill, he was asked to work as the maintenance supervisor for his close friend, Blake Chanslor, who owned and operated Blakes Lotaburger.
In 1982, the Rowse family moved to Flora Vista, making it their home.
Elmer enjoyed working for Blakes and continued doing so in he Farmington area until the mid 1990's. He loved to go camping, fishing and hunting, and also enjoyed gardening. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, a man of impeccable character and integrity beyond reproach.
C. Elmer Rowse was preceded in death most recently by his wife, La Vern Rowse, parents, Charley and Mable Rowse; mother and father-in-law, Ida May Day-Ross and William Harlin Ross, brothers, Bobby, Bill, Herb, Edward and Carroll Rowse, sisters, Nellie Jackson and Evelynn Knettles, sister-in-law, Helen Ruth Ross Short and brother-in-law, Valton David Ross.
C. Elmer Rowse is survived by his and La Verns only child, Dr. Clarence (Butch) Rowse; grandson, Dr. Ryan Rowse, and Dr. Jeremy Rowse and his wife, Jenilee; great-randdaughter, Gentry Paige Rowse, all of Farmington. Also surviving is Diane Taylorl other of Ryan and Jeremy, of Farmington, sister, Ruby Simmons and husband Cleo of Crosbyton, TX. Also, Werdna Rowse of Lubbock, TX. Elmer is also survived by "the daughter he and La Vern never had", Barbara Cole; and a very special family friend, Raul Fierro.
Life is a journey and what a journey he had!
We love you, Grandpa. We will miss your smiling face, your great sense of humor and your sincere compassion toward everyone you met. Life just won't be the same without you here. Until we meet again...
A special thanks to Patty of Basin Home Health, Lorrie Rogers, Rebecca and the staff at Namaste House and Dr. Jeff Neidhart.
A celebration of Elmers life will be held for family and friends at Brewer, Lee and Larkin Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 with Pastor Keith Corley officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Namaste House, 800 W. 30th St., Farmington where he and La Vern were lovingly cared for.
Elmer is in the care of Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute Street, Farmington. (505) 325-8688