Carlene June Howrey

Carlene June Howrey, 82, of Rogers passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014. She was born on June 5, 1932, in Nehawka, Neb., to Earl Harwood and LaVerta Flemme Cox. A native of Nebraska, Carlene grew up living in both Otoe and Peru, small farming towns in Southeast Nebraska. She graduated in 1949 from Peru Prep High School and later began her professional career as a Commerce teacher after graduating from Peru State (Neb.) Teacher's College in 1953 where was she was a very popular student having been active in many college clubs and organizations. She worked as a teacher for 10 years in various public schools in both Nebraska and Iowa, and in 1955 she met her husband, Merril Howrey, when both were teachers for the Farragut (Iowa) Community Schools. They were married on July 28, 1960, and developed a unity of marriage together for more than 54 wonderful years. In 1963, she left teaching to begin the task of starting a family and was blessed with three sons whom she gave her time, devotion and immense love in raising. Carlene was an unselfish and loving wife and mother who put her family first, especially her children, to provide them a wonderful and fulfilling childhood. After her husband, Merril, retired from teaching in Iowa, the family relocated to Rogers in 1978 to enjoy the life and serenity Northwest Arkansas has to offer. Having lived in the area for more than 36 years, Carlene was involved in the community having worked at times over the years with various organizations. She had served as a census pollster, volunteered her time for over 10 years as a "Welcome Wagon" hostess, and was also a dedicated and ever present supporter to the many school music and sport activities her children were involved in throughout the years. Besides dedicating her time to her family, Carlene had many interests which included sightseeing, traveling, camping and socializing. She loved watching sports, especially college football where she was a big fan of both the Cornhuskers and the Razorbacks. Carlene was also an avid card player having been a longstanding member in numerous bridge clubs over the years and where she developed many lifelong and wonderful friends in the community. Additionally, she loved going to area garage sales each weekend, enjoying the "hunt" of looking for a good bargain while meeting new people. Carlene is survived by her husband of 54 years, Merril of Rogers; three sons, Scott (Anna) of Destin, Fla., Brian of Manilia, Philippines, and Michael Howrey (Carrie) of Rogers; two wonderful grandchildren, Drake and Loren Howrey of Rogers; one brother, Lawrence Cox (Pat) of Concordia, Kan.; brother-in-law, Glenn Howrey (Evelyn) of Randolph, Iowa.; along with numerous nieces and nephews and many close and supportive friends. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Central United Methodist Church in Rogers, with the Rev. Jim Keith officiating. A private family inurnment will take place in Iowa at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children's Hospital in the memory of Carlene June Howrey.