Rhoda Berneice Powers (Rowlison), 89, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Long Term Care, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Menlo, Kansas, on December 2, 1936, Berneice was the daughter of Theodore Oscar and Bessie Phobe (Jones) Rowlison. She attended Hoxie Grade School and graduated from Hoxie High School. She was no stranger to hard work and held several jobs while in high school, including working at Ben Franklin Five and Dime and Mickey’s Hardware in Hoxie, Kansas.
Berneice married Melvin Wittman in 1958. They remained married until his passing in 1976.
While working at Jake and Larry’s Best Yet in Quinter, Kansas, Berneice was introduced by a friend to the love of her life, Ronald Powers. They were married on July 15, 1978, and shared 48 years together. Berneice and Ron lived and worked on the farm south of Quinter before moving to town in 2003.
After moving to town, Berneice found herself with more time to become involved in her community. She participated in the Red Hat Ladies, volunteered at the Jay Johnson Library and on Election Day, and was particularly proud of her service as president of the Quinter Hospital Auxiliary.
Berneice made Thanksgiving and Christmas special in her home and cherished family traditions. Her home was always filled with warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. Her family, especially her grandchildren, was the love of her life. Berneice loved to travel, visiting Hawaii, New York City at Christmas, and the Pacific Coast Highway, as well as taking a cruise. She was a dedicated Quinter Bulldog fan who rarely missed an opportunity to watch her children play and continued attending games long after they had grown up. Above all, Berneice loved to mow—not only her own yard but also her neighbors’ yards.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Powers; sons, Dexter Wittman, Rapid City, South Dakota; Bruce Wittman (Michele), Houston, Texas; and Rex Wittman (Angie), Newton, Kansas; daughters, Sharon Kuntz (Steve), Edmond, Oklahoma; Debbie Millete (Tom), Bridgeport, Nebraska; and Carmen Powers, Lake Charles, Louisiana; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild on the way.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Oscar and Bessie Phobe (Jones) Rowlison; brothers, Harold, Dale, Wayne, Ronnie, Marvin, and Larry Rowlison; and sister, Doris A. Fishback.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home in Quinter, Kansas. The funeral will be held Monday, October 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Quinter Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Baker Township Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Gove County Elder Care and Gove County Medical Center and may be mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main Street, Quinter, KS 67752.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.