of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 85
Charles Rowcliffe was born May 28, 1922, on his parents' ranch one and a half miles southwest of Philip, the son of Raymond G. and Florence Rose (Chambers) Rowcliffe. He grew up on the ranch and graduated from Philip High School in 1940. As a young man he worked with his parents on the ranch until his father's death in 1945, at which time he took over the operation of the ranch.
Charles was united in marriage to Louise Faye Millar on February 5, 1948, in Philip. They made their home on the ranch southwest of Philip. In the fall of 1948, Charles began his career in the grocery stores in Philip. First he worked at the Red Owl, Sooper Dooper, Deis' Food Center, and later Carley's Food Center, before retiring in 1986 after 37 years.
They continued to reside on the ranch which they continued to operate until retiring in 1992, and moving into town at 400 West Oak Street.
Charles was a member of the United Church in Philip.
Grateful for having shared his life with, include his wife of 59 years, Louise; two sons Harold Rowcliffe and his wife Betty of Ritzville, Washington, and Roger Rowcliffe and his wife Charlotte of Manhattan, Kansas; three daughters Evelyn Heide and her special friend Gene Sticha of Faribault, Minnesota, Hazel Rowcliffe of Philip, and Ann Roberts and her husband Richard of Ft. Collins, Colorado; two grandsons J.D. and A.J. Roberts of Ft. Collins; one brother Rev. Mylo Rowcliffe of Lake Preston, Minnesota; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Elaine Whisler and one sister in infancy; one brother Robert Rowcliffe; and two granddaughters in infancy Judi Lynn Heide and Beth Roberts.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Wednesday.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 3, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES: Wednesday, October 3, 2007 10:00 a.m., United Church,
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY: Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC: Marilyn Millage – Organist, Glenn Parsons – Vocalist: "Old Rugged Cross" , "Go Rest High"
USHERS: Chip Walker – Scott Baye
PALLBEARERS: Bruce Boyd – Randy Boyd, Cliff Ramsey – Jerry Carley, Garry Erickson – Mike Moses
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
FUNERAL SERVICES: Wednesday, October 3, 2007 10:00 a.m., United Church,
Philip, South Dakota
INTERMENT: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota