Rowena Hanshaw

Rowena Hanshaw peacefully went home to meet our Lord on December 8, 2010. She was born November 20, 1928, in Velasco, Texas. She was preceded in death by husband, Melvin Curtis Hanshaw; mother, Ina Esther Wood; father, Cecil Posey and granddaughters, Brooke and Michelle Williams. Rowena was employed for thirty-six years with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company until her retirement in 1986. She was active in community service projects, including the Southwestern Bell Pioneers and working with students at Menger Elementary School. She enjoyed life to the fullest, always ready to embark on a new adventure. She loved to travel and meet new friends as well as spend time with her family. She was a member of the Summit Church. Rowena is survived by her children, Deborah Sue West (Ronney), Sharon Kay South (Richard), Dorothy Jean Scheller, Sandra Lynn Essert (Steve) and William Curtis Hanshaw (Alisa). She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Nicole Burcar (Paul), Christopher South (Brandi), Amber South, Joshua Essert (Megan), Eric Essert, Adam Gaconnet, Brett Gaconnet, Dalton Cook and Bryce Hanshaw. She was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ayla Burcar and Mayson Mercer. The family wishes to acknowledge Dr. John Carmichael and Thomas-Spann Clinic staff for the dedicated care and service provided over the years. Thanks also to the staff at Island Home Health Care and Holmgreen Nursing Center for her care in the past several years. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sawyer George Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted in Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 16, 2010 with Pastor Rick Malm officiating. Interment will follow at Sinton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital are encouraged.