Viola Ruth (Lee) Rowden, age 96, of Dixon, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center in Tuscumbia. She was born in Pulaski County on September 24, 1929, daughter of the late James Clark and Anna Irene (Helton) Lee. On September 25, 1948, in Vienna, Fr. Fry united Viola and Lloyd Freeman Rowden in marriage. Viola and Lloyd were blessed with 60 years of marriage and three sons before his passing on May 8, 2009.

Viola graduated grade school from Washington School in 1944 and Dixon High School in 1948. She worked at several factories, including shoe, garment, and hat factories, before spending 23 years at Fort Leonard Wood until her retirement in April 1993. Alongside her professional work, she also contributed to the family farm with Lloyd.

Viola enjoyed quilting, crocheting, crafting, and sewing. She made bridesmaid dresses, altered formalwear, made quilt tops and cleaned condos at the Lake on Saturdays. She was a devoted and active member of Brays Advent Christian Church in Iberia, where she taught Sunday School for 15 years.

She is survived by two sons, Randy (Anita) Rowden of Dixon and David (Joanie) Rowden of Iberia; seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her son, Mark Rowden; her infant child; two sisters, Kathleen “Kathy” Deardeuff and Betty Hickey; and one great-grandson, Ryan Lekey.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m., with funeral service immediately following at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Interment will be held in Union Cemetery near Iberia.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Union Cemetery.