Dorothy Mae Ertel Rowe

A funeral was Tuesday in Reno for Dorothy Mae Ertel Rowe, who died at her daughter's home in Coarsegold, Calif., on Jan. 27, 2010.

Born July 13, 1915, in Covington, Ky., to Dr. & Mrs R. J. Ertel, she graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Music. She was a talented musician accomplished at playing the organ, piano, cello and flute. She was a piano teacher and was an active member of the American Guild of Organists.

Mrs. Rowe served in the Pacific Theater with the Red Cross during World War II, where she met and married her husband Peter on Dec. 18, 1944.

She lived in Reno from 1948 until 2001, during which time she raised her family, was actively involved in her church and served as church organist for several Catholic churches and local mortuaries. She moved to Fig Garden Retirement Residence where she participated in any and all activities. She was a voracious reader and enjoyed painting, crocheting and trips to visit her children and grandchildren. She flew across the country to Richmond, Va., for Thanksgiving 2009.

Mrs. Rowe is preceded in death by her parents; husband Dr. Peter Rowe; sisters Mary Jane Miller and Ruth Orsary; brother Thomas Ertel and great granddaughter Sydney Padgett.

She is survived by Susan (Dennis) Bell of Coarsegold, Calif., Michael (Suzanne) Rowe of Minden; Nancy (Wayne) Chasen of Richmond, Va.; brother John Ertel of Cincinnati, Ohio, and many nieces and nephews; grandchildren Gabrielle, Heather, Jessica, Kristen (Bill) Hinman, Sarah and Valerie (Brian) Padgett; and great-grandsons Cy Padgett and Ryan Hinman.

Donations in her name may be to the charity of your choice.

Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery.