ROWLEY, Virginia Lee

Virginia Lee Rowley (October 4, 1923 - December 21, 2009) Virginia Lee (Aker) Rowley was finally granted her angel wings on Monday, December 21st, 2009. She passed away at Sunset Hills Care Center after a long illness. Services will be at held 1:30 pm Saturday, January 2nd, at Safford Funeral Home 501 Relation Street, Safford, AZ. Virginia was born October 4th , 1923 in Dunbar, Virginia to Joseph Wiley Aker and Rae Miller Aker. Growing up on a farm with 7 brothers and 1 sister gave her strength, humor and determination which helped her during her lifetime. She graduated from Duncan High School in 1942 and then attended ASU. Before retirement she ran the Student Center at Eastern Arizona College for many years and was always ready to defeat any student challengers in a game of pool. Virginia ran the kitchen for the American Legion for a time and was Snack Bar Manager at Safford High School. She managed the American Club for 9 years previous to that. Virginia always gave 110% to every position she held. Virginia is survived by six children: Sammie Jean Sutton of Safford, Allen Michael (Kay) Haws of Snowflake, Patrick Marion Haws of Lakeside, Nancy Lee (Art) Sanchez of Santa Barbara, CA, Donna Lynn (Steve) Reynolds of Safford, and David Rodney (Bonnie) Rowley of Show Low, She has 17 Grandchildren 32 Great-Grandchildren and 7 1/2 Great-Great-Grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband Willis Raymond Rowley and her siblings: Malcom Miller Aker, Cecil Erskin Aker, Miller Greenlee Aker, Joesph Wiley Aker Jr., Robert Reed Aker, Governor Hunt Aker, Elizabeth Rose (Aker) Tea, Dan Ralston Aker and David Perkins Aker. She was a long time member of the American Legion where she gave freely of her talents and time. Virginia lived life to the fullest. Her feisty spirit and generosity will be greatly missed by all. (written by Nancy Sanchez) Obit: Safford Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona.