Rowena Faye Kirk, 92, Rapid City, died Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Rapid City Regional Hospice. She was the first born to Edna and Ernest Kirk on August 27, 1925, at their home in the Sandhills of Nebraska. She was delivered by Mrs. Wolfendan, a midwife. At four years of age she and her parents moved across the NE/SD border to the William Shangreaux place. She was joined by two brothers, Billy Jo and Donald Gene, whom she named, at 5 and 10 years of age, respectively. Helping with her little brothers, who she called her “little treasures” was a favorite pastime.

Rowena attended the Cedar Lake Country School through 8th grade and then enrolled in Cody H.S. for two years, staying with her grandparents (Horace and Etta) and aunt Modena. She transferred to Bennett County H.S. where she gained her first clerical job working for a judge until she graduated in April of 1943. Due to WWII, the school year ran from Monday through Saturday and finished early each day to allow students time to assist their parents at home. She worked her second clerical job in Martin’s ASC office before enrolling in college. She attended the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, for one semester (Dec. 1943 through spring of 1944) and Chadron State for the summer session, focusing on business classes.

Rowena and her aunt Modena (who was always more like a sister due to their similar ages) moved to Omaha in the fall of 1944, where they both secured employment at banks. When they were unable to make monthly expenses, they changed jobs to the Union Pacific Depot as waitresses. Rowena spent some time in Denver working and then returned to Martin, SD, where she opened one of the first soft-serve ice-cream shops, the Dairy King. Rowena’s Dairy King proved a successful business for 43 years.

Rowena married Mitchell Clark in April of 1955 and welcomed five children to their union: Christie, Connie, Cammie, Cathie, and Micheal. As the family grew, favorite memories included dinners at her parents’ ranch following Sunday church services.

Rowena moved to Rapid City in the fall of 1997 where she embraced her role as grandma to her 15 grandchildren. She was known to her family for making the best sweet and sour pork and cinnamon rolls, and raising garden vegetables to share. Later in her life she gained eight more “little treasures”, her great-grandchildren. Their visits were always met with a sparkle in her eyes.

Rowena’s children would like to express their gratitude to her extended family, friends, church family, There’s a Hart staff, Rapid City Regional Hospice House staff, Good Samaritan Society of New Underwood, doctors, nurses, and all who touched her life with caring and love.

Blessed beyond measure in sharing her life are her children: Christie Johnson (Jack), O’Neill, NE; Connie and Brad Tucker, Rapid City; Cammie, Yankton; Cathie, Las Vegas; Micheal and Michelle, Spearfish. Grandchildren: Tiffany, Tashia, Tawna, Cachelle, Terrin, Tanner, Kasey, Jordan, Kadeyn, Chataie, Kyler, and Chantia; Great-grandchildren: Paxton, Isabella, Hunter, Rowan, Jenner, Tucker, Lilith and Laika.

A woman of faith, strength, and love, it was Rowena’s greatest desire to see all of her loved ones in Heaven. She taught us faith and the significance of angels in our lives; one of her endearing phrases: “Your angel wings are showing” resounds in our memories of her. Reunited with all those she loved who preceded her in Heaven, she watches over us with our Lord Jesus and waits with Him to greet us with a hug and maybe even a cinnamon roll.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2017 at First Church of God, 706 E. Monroe, Rapid City. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Martin Community Cemetery.

Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements and condolences may be conveyed to the family at behrenswilson.com.