Rita M. Rowland, 52, of Seneca, KS, died Wednesday, September 17, 2003, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca. She had pulmonary hypertension for several years and had been in failing health the past two years.

She was born May 5, 1951, in Falls City, NE, the daughter of Henry and Nellie Ann Malone Rowland. She grew up and attended school in Salem, NE. For several years Rita was employed in the Hiawatha, Pawnee City, and in Greeley, CO area as a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA).

She was married to Dennis Horner in Tecumseh, NE, in 1969. They lived there and in Dillard, NE, before they were divorced in 1985. In 1988 she married Bernie Gifford in McMinnville, OR, where they lived. After their divorce in 1991, she lived in Smith Center, KS, before moving to Seneca to live with her son Daniel three years ago.

She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Marysville, KS.

Survivors are a son, Daniel Horner of Seneca; two daughters, Brenda Merz of Horton and Tracie Tontoyan of North Platte, NE; two brothers, Rodney and Randy Rowland, both of Smith Center, KS; three sisters, Lois Scott of Loveland, CO, Shirley Rowland of Falls City, NE, and her twin sister, Rosie Gifford of Huntsville, AK; and six grandchildren.

A private inurnment will be held at a later date in the Colorado Springs area.

Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca is in charge of arrangements.