1939-2026
Monica Marie (Holland) Rowton, aka: “Me-Mo,” 86, (“15 ½”) passed away peacefully, with her daughter holding her hand, on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kansas. She was born on December 9, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to F.D. and Ruth Holland. They moved to Scott City in 1950.
She graduated from Scott County High School in 1957. One evening while cruising Main Street, she met a young man, Keith Rowton of Leoti, who would become the love of her life. Upon their engagement, Monica began saving silver dollars which she used to purchase her wedding dress. On August 29, 1959, they were married at St Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Kansas. As the two sai d their vows, Monica whispered, “For time and eternity,” which proved true until the day Monica died. The two had an everlasting love that surpassed the promises said in their vows and everyone who knew them saw this.
After living in Scott City, they moved to Garden City so Keith could attend college. She worked as a telephone operator at St. Catherine Hospital and as a secretary for KGLD TV. On October 19, 1961, they completed the i r family with the birth of their daughter, Kendra Renee.
They moved to Ulysses in October 1964. There, she worked at McCall Liquor Store as a clerk, being promoted to manager, until her husband was burned on November 22, 1983. She also managed Hillcrest Manor Trailer Court. For two years, she also drove Bus #13.
She was a strong, dedicated, determined, hardworking, loving and caring woman, who could be a tad sassy and stubborn as the day is long, in the best of ways. She loved helping people and also enjoyed doing yard work, planting flowers, etc. When her husband was alive, they enjoyed camping and fishing as a family. She also enjoyed bowling and playing Bunkos. She was an avid shopper; whether spending endless hours in Walmart or watching QVC, she was always determined to find just the right gift to make a person feel extra special. She also loved a good deal and enjoyed attending garage sales, auctions, and the Kansas State Fair, which became a family tradition where she was known as the “Eagle Lady,” as she proudly wore eagle rings.
She was artistic, creative, and a great seamstress. Every year, she worked hard to create just the right floral arrangements for the graves of the loved ones that had gone before her. She loved being with and doing things with her grandkids. She made numerous Halloween costumes without any patterns and made them look authentic. She also made a grass skirt and handmade lei for her grandson for a music program, as well as her granddaughter’s 8th grade promotion dress. She also spent time taking her grandkids around town to sell various items for Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, and Student Council. To know her was to know love and blessings. Although she will be dearly missed every day, her love and legacy will live on in those that remain.
Monica is survived by h er bel o ved 15-year-old fur baby, Kaidyn (L.B); daughter, Kendra Euliss and son (in-law) John, of Ulysses, KS; granddaughter, Starla Burnum and husband, Douglas Burnum of Ulysses, KS; grandson, Keith Euliss of Ulysses, KS; great-grandson, Ethan Burnum of Ulysses, KS; sisters, Frankie (Holland) Rowton and husband Jim of Leoti, KS, Debbie (Holland) Bush and husband, Lance of Garden City, KS; sister-in-law, Lyla (Rowton) Burch and husband Les of Hartshorne, OK; “adopted” daughter, Pam (Mader) El l i s ; “ adopt ed” grandchildren, Jeremy Taylor, Tesley (Taylor) Rupp, Monica Teeter, Airen Moon, Amanda Farmer-Hami l t o n , K ri s t i Kerst-Day, Adrienne (Annie) Rodriguez; and numerous others who called her Me-Mo; “adopted” sisters, Delores Mader and Charlene Becht; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her beloved husband of almost 25 year s , Kei t h , preceded her in death on July 19, 1984. She is also preceded in death by two greatgrandbabies; parents, Ruth and F.D Holland; twin baby brothers, Walter and Daniel Holland; nephew, Roy Rowton; brotheri n - l aw, Kennet h Rowton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Mary Rowton; sisters-in-law, Adeline Mays and Georgia Griem; nieces, Vicki Burch and Nancy Griem; and nephew, Werner Burch.
Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2026, at Garnand Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM, with family present from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Rosary will be Friday, March 27, 2026, at 7:00PM at Garnand Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be March 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Mary, Queen of Peace, Catholic Church, Ulysses, KS, with Father Eric Gyamfi officiating. Graveside Service will be at 4:30 PM at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Marienthal, KS.
Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Furever Friends of Grant County Kansas, or Mary, Queen of Peace, Catholic Church, in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes. com.
