LORA JEAN FORSEY ROWLEY SPENCER passed away peacefully at her home in Payson, Utah on the morning of April 30, 2020.
Lora was born March 3,1925 in Richfield, Utah to David Churchill Forsey Jr. and Stella Bertha Christensen. Her family moved to Payson during her childhood where she attended all her public schooling, graduating from Payson High School in 1943. While attending Brigham Young University she met Don Ernest Rowley and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on October 3, 1945. After residing in Orem, Utah where their four children were all born, Lora and Don sold their fruit farm there and moved their family to the West Mountain Area of Payson in 1960. They successfully started the first of what would become many fruit farms in that area and she never moved again. Her husband Don passed away in 1995. In 2003 she married family friend and widower Buss Spencer and they filled each other’s life with companionship and happiness until his passing in 2010.
Lora chose the profession of wife, mother and homemaker and was the consummate professional. Her cheerful, loving, and nurturing nature filled the Rowley home with a peaceful and content spirit that made her home the favorite of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Lora was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and gave a lifetime of service in multiple callings in the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. She was also an active member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers for many years.
As Lora’s body weakened the last years of her life, her light never dimmed and she was cheerful and a delight to visit until the very end. Her oldest daughter Nedra cared for her for years and then a granddaughter, Kym (Brady) Butler moved their family in with Lora during her last 8 months to give her assistance and company. The Butlers brought her much joy, and Kym held her hand as she left this life.
Lora is survived by her four children, Nedra Grover, Brenda (David) Bennion, Loretta (Darrell) Stacey, and Robert (Cara) Rowley as well as Don’s brother Norman Rowley and his wife Judy. She has 19 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren. The youngest great-grandchild (Robyn Lora Rowley) was born in Payson at the same hour of Lora’s passing.
Lora will be interred at the Payson City Cemetery alongside her eternal companion, Don. Graveside services will be held Monday, May 4, 2020. Services will be conducted by Bishop Ryan Rowley, a grandson.
6 Condolences for Lora Jean Forsey Rowley Spencer
Condolences(6)
Curtis Marvin says
May 2, 2020 at 12:01 pmRobert, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear sweet mother, I remember her kindness towards me each time I would visit her home and the wonderful meals she prepared. What a great legacy she leaves to carry on her Christ like example. May the Lord comfort you and your loved ones at this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers my old friend
Phyllis Brock says
May 2, 2020 at 6:11 pmI saddened and happy as I read Aunt Lora’s obituary this morning.
I was saddened for you my cousins and your families because I know how much you loved her and will miss seeing her, but I couldn’t help but feel happy for her to be released from this earth life to continue on her eternal journey with her loved ones who have preceded her in death. I will always remember her for her sweet spirit and loving kindness She was always so welcoming and I knew she loved me
by the way she always treated me. I will miss her, I love you all and send you my condolences.
JoeLeen Young says
May 2, 2020 at 6:21 pmOh how we all loved our aunt Lora. It is very hard not to be able to be there for her graveside service. We want your family to know how much we love you.
RaNae, LaRue, JoeLeen and Allen.
Joyce Hill Maher says
May 3, 2020 at 1:50 pmAs Sister Lora departs from our company she leaves many sweet memories to warm our lives. She truly created the most welcoming home. My connection to her family is cherished as she is by everyone who knows her.
Robert Bennion says
May 4, 2020 at 7:04 amThe first of my connection with Lora was when my sister discovered Norman Rowley who ran a family farm with Don Rowley and their mother and Don was already married to LoraJean. I even ate lunch at the farm while picking strawberries. I worked occasionally at the new Payson orchards and buildings where Don and Lora plus my sister Judith and Norman Rowley had side by side houses. My Father became a partner in the orchards and we spent more time as neighbors to Lora and I was associated with sister and her kids and Lora’s as well. Don and Norman as young men were very strong and moved my brothers appliances by hand alone into moving truck on one of his moves. My brother eventually married Brenda, Lora’s daughter, after working in orchards and processing plants for years. Don became too ill to continue orchards so they were sold and Norm took his family to Washington State for more orchards and Brenda and my brother David moved into Norm’s house with their children to improve medical care in Payson and to be next door to children’s grandparents. Since I started spending Christmas and other occasions with Brenda and David and Children, I was as welcome a guest in Lora’s house as any one of them. There was always a gift and card on Lora’s tree for me along with ones for grandchildren. Lora’s life is a magnificent gift to the world and more directly to me for the adventures and experiences with those in her family.
Mary Lynn Kenison Peterson says
May 5, 2020 at 4:30 pmI send my love to all your family at this tender time. I was so disappointed that I was not able to give my hugs and condolences in person. Lora held a special place in my heart next to my mother, who was a close friend. Don was a special friend to my father. We are sad at Lora’s passing but I am confident that there is a joyful reunion in Heaven. May you be comforted at this time of loss knowing many friends and family members are praying for you.
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