Cathrine Elizabeth (Witmer) Rowe

Cathrine Elizabeth (Witmer) Rowe

Cathrine Elizabeth (Witmer) Rowe died on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.  She was 97 years old and a longtime resident of the Village at Messiah Lifeways in Mechanicsburg.  She was born on December 10, 1924, in Saxton, Pennsylvania, to the late Rev. J. Clair and Emma Martin Witmer.  She was a descendant of Hans Herr who was among the first Anabaptists to settle in Lancaster County in 1710.  She was the wife of Ralph R. Rowe for 59 years, who died in April 2001.  She was predeceased by a brother, Vernon T. Witmer; a sister, Mary Kauffman Goldin; and a son-in-law, Rev. Robert G. Withers.

Cathrine graduated from Enola High School and after raising her children worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Education’s Comptroller’s Office.  She was a charter member of the Chapel Hill United Church of Christ in Camp Hill.  In addition to painting, she pursued her artistic talents in creating miniature dollhouses and showrooms and was a longtime member of N.A.M.E., the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts.

She is survived by a son, Gary R. Rowe and his wife, Berta Platas, of Lawrenceville, GA, and a daughter, Barbara J. Rowe and her husband, Robert J. Wilson III, of New Oxford, PA.  She is also survived by two grandsons: Gordon R.R. Withers and his wife, Catherine and two great granddaughters of Gaithersburg, MD; and Stephen R.R. Withers and his wife, Genina Ramirez of Savannah, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

A private entombment in Tri-County Memorial Gardens in Lewisberry will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Messiah Lifeways Endowment Fund for Benevolent Care, Messiah Lifeways, 100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Cathrine’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Cathrine’s full obituary, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.