Emilie Ellen Dell

Emilie Ellen Rowland Dell

October 1, 1939 - February 2, 2024

Emilie Ellen (Rowland) Dell, 84, McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully February 2, 2024 at Norterre Laurel Memory Care in Liberty, MO. Emilie was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated and passionate teacher, and friend. 

Emilie was born October 1, 1939, in Hutchinson, KS. She was the youngest of six kids. She grew up on the farm helping with chores and learning lifelong skills such as sewing and making most of her own clothes. Many of these skills she passed on to her own children, including her love of gardening.  She used to say, “We were not rich in money but we were rich in love”. 

Emilie started first grade at the age of four at Prosperity Elementary and graduated from Buhler HS at the age of sixteen. She continued on to Hutchinson Junior College and was a part of the last graduating class to receive a teaching degree in just two years. During this time, Emilie met her future husband at a Church of the Brethren youth roller skating event. She knew right away they were meant to be. Even though She could have gone directly into teaching, Emilie instead continued her studies at McPherson College (where Bob was a student) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She taught elementary for several years, came home to raise her four children until they entered school and then returned to teaching. In 1988 she received her master’s in Special Education which she taught until she retired from Maytown Elementary (PA) in 2005.  Emilie loved teaching and was one of those special teachers that often stayed late into the evening working to make learning fun for her students. 

Emilie and Robert (Bob) Dell were married on June 19, 1961 and lived a full life together for 58 years before Bob passed away in 2020. They lived in many different places over the years and always became a part of the community both at church and school. They raised four children who all married and gave them 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Grand mothering was a major interest! After retirement, Bob and Emilie returned to McPherson, KS. She was glad to be closer to extended family. Emilie enjoyed weekend outings with her husband, hosting and traveling to visit family and friends, Tuesday lunches with her sisters and niece, working in her garden, living a healthy lifestyle, singing, reading, all while being active in her church and community. Emilie once wrote, “I do not ever remember a time when faith in God and a spiritual life were not part of my life.”

Preceded in death by husband, Rev. Robert W. Dell; parents: William Vincent Rowland, Wilma (Roberson) Rowland Evans; stepfather: Carl J. Evans; sisters: Marjorie Rowland Ensz, Ruth Rowland Hoffman; brother: Howard Rowland.

Emilie is survived by her brothers: Clyde(Jean) Rowland, Charles Rowland; her children: Krista(Bruce) Wine, Jay(Heather) Dell, Melia(Kevin) Jones, Sean(Jane) Dell;  grandchildren: Dinae(Stephen) Chichester, Micah(Annie) Wine, Adrian Wine, Camden(Jaycee) Wine, Bryson Wine, Miranda Jones, Keenan Wine, Chloe Dell, Kirsten Wine, Noah Jones, Sophie Dell; great-grandchildren: Carrie Chichester, Reuben Chichester, Mycaiah Chichester, Simeon Chichester, Kristiana Chichester, Solomon Chichester, Izzibella Wine, Evangeline Chichester, Malichi Wine, Jonathan Chichester, Michael Wine, Eli Wine. 

Emilie was a bright light and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. 

A Celebration of life is planned for the afternoon of June 29, 2024 at the McPherson Church of the Brethren, McPherson, KS.  If you feel led, Memorial contributions in Emilie Dell’s name can be made to the McPherson Church of the Brethren for outreach or plant a tree in Emilie’s memory.

You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.