Martha "Helen" Rowe

Martha "Helen" Rowe, age 73, of Morehead, passed away January 3, 2025, after a battle with vascular dementia. 

Born April 16, 1951, in Conroe, Texas, she was the daughter of the late James and Wynhema Adams.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, John Robert Menville Jr.

She will be dearly missed by her brother, Steve Adams of Oklahoma; two children, Anna Chere Menville, of Morehead, and Robert Lee Menville, of Morehead; four grandchildren, Shayla Ring (Chris) of Morehead, Shane Dyer (Marissa) of Morehead, Jana Menville of Ohio, Shane Cartwright of Ohio. Two great granddaughters, Helena Rose (her namesake) and Lilah Ring, both of Morehead. Many other special friends and family members will remember her life and love. 

Helen worked to get her GED and put herself through college at Morehead State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in social work in 1993. She then worked in various departments at the Camden-Carroll Library until her retirement in 2014. Shortly after retirement, she began employment at the Morgan County Public Library until the time her health began to deteriorate. Helen had a great love for books, waking early to read and falling asleep while reading before bed. She deeply believed in and supported the work of libraries. 

Helen worked hard all of her life and was fiercely independent. She was passionate about equality and justice. She never missed voting and would let you know where she stood on any issue. 

She devoted most of her life to her family both by working as a single mother and helping to raise her grandchildren. Being Mamaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was one of her dearest joys. She would do just about anything for her family and was always just a phone call away. 

Helen took pictures of those she loved, listened to "good music" with family and friends, and grew gardens of flowers and foods. She cared for any animal she would come across, often preferring them to people. She hosted her family for birthdays and holidays. She learned how to make funds stretch and took care of others along the way. 

She was both very serious and incredibly funny. A heated debate partner and also someone that could laugh with you until you cried. While she was only 5 foot 3, she was strong and determined, overcoming all obstacles she faced. She loved the people she counted as friends, rejoicing in their joys and mourning their lows. Helen was full of life. 

In many ways her life was simple, which is how she liked it, but she was always striving to provide more opportunities and resources, helping to break cycles and patterns in her family and in the lives of others. 

Helen requested her remains be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 18, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church of Morehead. Her family requests those attending come with a story to share.

Memorial donations, flowers and gifts honoring Helen may be sent to the family at First Baptist Church, 123 E. Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at  www.northcuttandson.com

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