Arline Rowley

Arline Gay Willoughby Hone Rowley, 85, of Provo, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022. She was born March 8, 1937 in Provo, Utah to Evelyn Selman and William Leroy Willoughby. She was an exemplary “A” student with a high IQ. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Orem where she was active in journalism, being a feature editor of the school paper and a member of the Quill and Scroll Club. She was involved in debate, the Forensics club, speech, school plays, and worked odd jobs including babysitting and working at the Scera Movie Theatre, and Pleasant Grove Cannery. Arline Gay was also an accomplished musician; She was a pianist, and accompanied her mother’s musical poetry readings, she was the ward organist from age 11, and she was invited to play the viola in the All-State Orchestra in Salt Lake City.

Arline Gay married her sweetheart Evan Newell Hone on May 5, 1955. They had 5 children: Gayline (Will), Dean (Cecilia), Cecelia (Dave), Shawn (April), & Darren (Teresa). They built a house in Provo, UT which she lived in the rest of her life. She served numerous ward and stake callings and was involved in the Women’s Auxiliary while Evan served the Provo Police Department. Evan passed away on April 27, 1970, leaving Arline Gay a 33 year-old widow with 5 children. Although times were tough, she remained strong for her children and dedicated her every effort to their upbringing, health and happiness.

After the death of Evan, Arline Gay married Merlin Rowley on August 17, 1976. Merlin brought four children: Mark, Merlene, Lisa and Lorraine (Kelly).  They were married for 35 years until Merlin passed away November 25, 2010.

Arline Gay was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Clive, Brent, Lyla & Chalise. She is survived by her brother Roger and sisters Nancy & Alanalie. Arline Gay leaves a legacy of 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. All have been touched by her love, care and concern. She will be sorely missed.

The family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Sundberg-Olpin & Wheeler Funeral home at 495 S. State Street in Orem. The funeral will begin at 11:00 am with a viewing for family and friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to join us in person, you may view the services HERE