George Weirich Rowse, 91, of Monaca, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, while surrounded by his loving family at his residence.
Born on February 18, 1926, to the late Nora Ann Weirich and George T. Rowse, George lived in Monaca his entire life.
He graduated from Monaca High School in 1944 and entered the Army Air Corp in September of that year. He was trained as an aircraft engine mechanic and inspector, serving two years state side. Upon his discharge in 1946, he enrolled in Geneva College. Following his graduation in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, he was hired as a General Science and Health Education teacher for Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 at the Center School District, a job he held until his retirement in 1993. George also enjoyed selling cars at Miller and Sons Chevrolet in Aliquippa for many years.
George continued his education and earned a Master’s Degree in Education in 1954 from the University of Pittsburgh. In the early 1960’s he also received five National Science Foundation Scholarships to West Virginia Wesleyan (Summer, 1960) Mt. Mercy (Carlow) College (Winter, 1960-1961), St. Cloud State College in Minnesota (Summer, 1961), Wayne State University in Detroit (Summer, 1962) and Northern Michigan College (Summer, 1963). George held certification in elementary and secondary science, as well as certification as an elementary principal. He also attained forty-seven graduate credits beyond his Master’s degree. He was appointed chairperson of the Science Department at Center Junior-Senior High School from 1970-1980.
George was a member of the Monaca United Methodist Church for seventy-seven years where he was active on the official board and served as a Trustee of the church. He was a charter member of the C.H.I.P.S. (Charity, Hope, Inspiration, Prayer, Service) Sunday School Class and served as President of the class.
George was a charter member of the C.M.P.E.A. (Center, Monaca, Potter, Elementary Association) Federal Credit Union since 1966 and served as a loan officer. He became a member of the Rochester Lodge No. 229 Free and Accepted Masons in 1949 and was elected Worshipful Master in 1959. He was a charter member of the Monaca-Center Lodge No. 791 Free and Accepted Masons and became its second Worshipful Master in 1962. He was elected treasurer of the Monaca-Center Fraternity Club for twenty-four years (1971-1995) and served as trustee for the lodge for twenty years. He was a life member of AASR (Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite) Valley of the New Castle Consistory. He held memberships in Eureka Royal Arch Chapter No. 167, the Monaca Turner’s, Pennsylvania State Education Association Retired, National Education Association, and American Legion Post #580. In 1995, he joined the Penn State Extension Master Gardener’s Program and served as a volunteer for the Brady’s Run Compost Demonstration Program. George loved spending time in his garden and took great pride in his vegetables, especially his tomatoes.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Evelyn Steele, who passed away on February 22, 1983, and a brother, Paul Rowse, in 2016. He is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law with whom he resided, Kathryn (Kathy Sue) and George Haught of Monaca, two granddaughters, Karen (Michael) Herman, Monaca and Sheila (Cliff) Moore, Seminole, Florida, and five great-grandchildren, Austin and Jordyn, Monaca, and Evelyn, Chloe, and Cooper, Florida.

Friends will be received on Friday, August 4, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, where a service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. with his pastor, Reverend Nancy Shute officiating. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, George requested that memorial contributions be made to the Monaca United Methodist Memorial Fund, 813 Indiana Avenue, Monaca, PA, 15061.
The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Heinle for all of his care and compassion over the years, Bridget, Dee, and the staff of Mother Teresa Hospice for the exceptional care and comfort they provided for George, as well as Allen, his special caregiver, for the friendship and care he provided. All of you had a special place in George’s heart.
George was a strong man of faith and a caring and compassionate person, always putting the needs of others before his own. He had a passion for serving his community, and loved being a teacher to all. His joy for life, strength, and ambition were an inspiration to many. He was a lifelong learner and teacher, and cherished his many students over the years. Though he is gone from our lives, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be loved and missed forever.