Lovelock sadly lost a pillar on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, when Patricia Gene Rowe (Gigi), also lovingly known as Mrs. Rowe to the thousands of kids she has impacted over the years, passed away at home surrounded by her family.
Pat was born on Feb. 2, 1941, to Buster and Merle Hoysted in Elko, Nevada. Pat was the fourth descendant of George Lovelock, and she took that role seriously through her undying devotion to making Lovelock a better place to live and raise kids. When it came to anything needing to be done for the betterment of Lovelock, it was never her style to sit back and talk about it or watch someone else do it without her. She was the first one to step up and do whatever needed to get the job done. She was never afraid to get her hands dirty or work tirelessly for others.
Her contributions include her passion as a first-grade teacher for more than 43 years, swim team coach for over 45 years, the co-creator of Lovelock Frontier Days, Lovelock City Councilwoman, another 40-plus-year stint as Fair and Recreation director, development of Santa for Seniors, and so much more. The list of her accomplishments is many, but those she cherished most were being named Nevada State Teacher of the Year, National State Teacher of the Year (NSTOY), a Milken Family Foundation Award recipient, and meeting President Ronald Reagan, all of which recognized her devotion to education. Her dream was to create a world of lifelong learners.
When she was asked what she was most proud of in her life, she stated her greatest success, and the one she took the most pride in, was her family. Being called Gigi gave her the greatest joy. The kids would always brag, “Gigi gives the best tickles and makes the best mac ‘n’ cheese ever!” She took every opportunity to spend time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, lavishing them with whatever they wanted while sharing her expertise in all things related to shopping, especially shoes and clothes. Gigi always looked forward to her great-grandkids spending the summer at “Gigi’s pool,” trips to Disneyland and Lake Tahoe, and recitals, games, and every other activity they chose to get involved in. There was never a milestone in any of her family’s lives that she was not found in the front row, rooting and cheering them on. She spent the better part of her years sitting in grandstands across Nevada, and even beyond, watching all the sports and activities her family was involved in. She was everyone’s biggest fan and supporter.
This honor was not just reserved for her immediate family—it was also extended to her adopted “family,” which was vast. Even though Lori was an only child, Jim and Pat never owned a vehicle that was not either a van or a station wagon so they were able to carry several kids to every event. This continued into the second and third generations. The house was never quiet, and it was not unusual to have several kids sprawled all over the living room floor or several additions at the dinner table. Up to the days before she passed, Pat would be found in her assumed position at every volleyball game keeping score, at the poolside running swim meets or swimming lessons, creating summer recreation books, delivering Santa for Seniors bags, or creating lecture schedules for church. When it came to thinking of others, her generosity was grand, and her attitude was grander. Pat never lost her wit and continued to “boss” those around her until the very end.
Pat is survived by her husband of 64 years, James B. Rowe; their daughter, Lori Lynch (Jim); grandchildren, Brad Lynch (Kaci) and Lyndsi Lynch; great-grandchildren, Lexi, Ander, Remi, and Jovi Lynch; sister, Elaine Pommerening (Dale); nieces, Debi Welch (Fred) and Dana Montes (Keith); nephew, Dan Pommerening (Keri); and countless great-nieces and great-nephews.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone she interacted with, as well as those she reached but never met. Private services will be held for immediate family only, but you can help her kindness, loyalty, and compassion continue by donating to the Pat Rowe Scholarship Fund or volunteering at one of the organizations Mrs. Rowe loved so much.
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