<h5>Ronceverte-Mary Burdette Rowan Diamond, 96, formerly of Scottsburg, IN and Alderson, passed away Friday, Apr. 11, 2014, at The Brier Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Ronceverte, following a short illness.</h5> Born Nov. 16, 1917, in Cairo, MO, she was the daughter of the late Ammen C. and Nancy Baker Burdette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, James Gary Rowan; brother, Robert Burdette; three sisters, Nancy Arbaugh, Joann Burdette McCarthy and Margaret Burdette Rowan; two granddaughters, Stacy Lynn Freeman and Angelica Rowan Kimbler; stepson, Jack Diamond; and stepdaughter, “Did” Estrada. Mrs. Diamond was a homemaker, bookkeeper and seamstress. During World War II she worked at a Singer Sewing Machine store in Newport News, VA, where she obtained her first electric sewing machine. She graduated from high school in Monroe County. Mrs. Diamond was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ronceverte. She was a former member of the Scottsburg United Methodist Church, Scottsburg, IN, and the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, Alderson, where she was a very active member and served on various church committees over the years. Mrs. Diamond loved to quilt and loved sewing. She also enjoyed other arts and crafts, especially, crocheting, knitting and pottery. Later in life she enjoyed photography and taking pictures. Mrs. Diamond was well known for her ability to alter and repair clothing. Survivors include: daughter, Ellen Rowan-Webb of Olathe, KS; two grandsons, Keith Michael Freeman and wife Tobi of Overland Park, KS and John Gary Rowan of Nashville, TN; six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Memorial services were held Monday, June 2 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Ronceverte, where Pastor Brian Baker officiated. <strong>Burial was in Mountain View Cemetery, Sweet Springs.</strong> Friends called Monday, June 2, at the church before the service. Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.
