Betty Anthony

Betty Rowan Anthony passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Barbara (Harry) Groom on June 24, 2015 at the age of 94. She was born on March 2, 1921, in Murray, Utah to Milo LeGrand Rowan and Anna Ardella Jansson Rowan. Betty was part of an early pioneer family who settled Ririe, Idaho. She married her high school sweetheart, Fay Anthony and resided in the Ririe/Rigby area her whole life. She lived an exemplary life. To know her was to love her. She taught piano and organ lessons for over 50 years and influenced the musical lives of hundreds of young people, and was instrumental in shaping the musical atmosphere of Ririe. She served in the LDS Church as president of the early primary for 15 years and as Relief Society Ward President and Stake RS counselor for many years. She held many other positions in music in both ward and stake, and played the organ for countless funerals. She played an integral part in writing the history of the musical heritage of the valley—specifically, Ririe, and worked diligently with others to prepare the Ririe Room at the Farnsworth Library. She taught elementary school for two years. She kept a history of Ririe, passed to her from her mother, and many came to her for this information. She had many hobbies and talents which she was so willing to share with all. She was a master quilter and made hundreds of quilts. She was able to replicate the beauty around her in her oil paintings and crochet many booties and Afghans. She loved nature especially flowers. She could whip up a full meal in seconds for anyone who stopped by her home. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt and was noted to be able to remember the names of all of her grandchildren, great –grandchildren and even great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. She had 21 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren who knew and loved her. She left lasting impressions for good on their lives. Their interests became her interests. She was adamant that her children had every opportunity for growth that she could provide. She was a loving wife and companion to her husband until he passed away. She supported him in all he did, especially his many years of service in the Lion’s Club. We will miss the wonderful mother who shaped our lives and lifted countless others along her path through life. She is survived by her four daughters, Barbara (Harry) Groom of Garfield, Idaho, Ruth (Scott) Warner of Gilbert, Arizona, Marie (Kenneth) Duncan of Draper, Utah, and Karin (Tom) Glem of Orem, Utah, along with brothers, Marlon Rowan, LeGrand Rowan, and James Rowan and a sister, Ruth Draper Crockett. She was preceded in death by her parents Milo LeGrand and Anna Ardella Jansson Rowan; her husband Fay Anthony, one grandson, Michael Anthony Duncan, two brothers, Blaine Rowan and Robert Rowan, and one sister, Peggy Noorda. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Ririe/Perry LDS Church (285 2nd W. Ririe), with Bishop Bert Brown of Ririe 3rd Ward officiating. The family will greet friends from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. at church house. Interment will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery in Ririe, Idaho under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.