Phyllis Gail (Avra) Rowe

Phyllis Gail Avra Rowe was born on May 27, 1959, in Kingsville, Texas, to Patricia Gail Gough Gregory and Dan Williams. After her mother’s later marriage to Paul Avra, Phyllis was lovingly adopted by Paul and proudly carried his name. She grew up alongside her siblings, Danny Avra (preceded in death), Paula Hess, and Perry Avra.

Phyllis graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1977, where she was active in FHA (Future Homemakers of America) and ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps). She had a natural warmth, an open heart, and a gift for making people feel at ease. She could talk to anyone, and she often did. Whether a lifelong friend or a passing stranger, Phyllis had a way of making everyone feel heard and valued.

She was a passionate athlete in her youth and proudly played for The Cobras, a local softball team coached by her mother, Patricia. Together, they traveled the country, competing in tournaments across the United States and creating lasting memories through their shared love of the game.

In 1985, Phyllis married the love of her life, Troy Rowe. Their connection was instant and enduring. This year marked 40 years of marriage, a bond filled with laughter, resilience, and unwavering devotion. Together, they built a life full of love, family, and meaningful moments that shaped every chapter of their journey.

Phyllis was a devoted mother and grandmother, and her family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her daughter Phylisha Kimbrel and husband Jeremy, with their daughters Sally and fiancé Seth Emmons, Madison, and Emma of Ponca City; her daughter Desiree D. Wood and husband Paul of Kildare, Oklahoma, with their children Ari and Odin, and Desiree’s daughter Janee Hutchison and husband Jacob of Oxford, Kansas; her son Tyler Rowe and wife Randa, with their children Traxton, Renezmee, Jaymeson Ray, Javery, and Rynlee Kay of Blackwell, Oklahoma; her son Derick Rowe and partner Daniel Parks of Newberg, Oregon; and her daughter Stacy Forsyth and husband Todd, with children Prudence and Merick of Yukon, Oklahoma.

She is also survived by her aunt Billie DeBoard, Patricia’s sister, who played an extraordinary and loving role throughout Phyllis’s life. In addition, she leaves behind a wide and devoted circle of cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family who helped shape her life and brought her immeasurable love and support.

Phyllis was also a gifted artist, known throughout Blackwell for her hand-painted murals at The Pioneer restaurant and creating custom paintings for her family and friends. Painting was her joy, her gift, and her way of giving to others. She was rarely without a brush in her hand, always creating with love and intention.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia, her father Paul, her brother Danny, several beloved cousins, and her grandparents.

After months of declining health, Phyllis passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025. Though her time here has ended, her spirit lives on in the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the beauty she brought into the world. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of her life will be Tuesday at 4PM at the Presbyterian Church in Blackwell.

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