Tamra Kay Duffield - Rowland

Tamra Kay Duffield Rowland was born March 5, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa to Robert and Ann McNeeley. She passed away on September 14, 2024.

Tamra was the fifth of ten siblings. She was a 1978 graduate of Lineville-Clio Community School. For many years, Tamra worked for Principal Financial Group. In her later years, she became a Jehovah’s Witness and attended the Kingdom Hall.

Tamra is survived by her son, Alex Duffield Jr., and three grandsons, Trevor, Connor, and Logan, whom she was raising. Her surviving siblings are three sisters, Lucy (Don) St. John, Kim (Brent) Samuell, and Janice (Tom) Rockhold, and four brothers, Karl (Terry) McNeeley, Jack (Lisa) McNeeley, Brian McNeeley, and Daniel (Haley) McNeeley. In addition, there are many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

Tamra was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Bobby McNeeley, a sister, Patricia White, a nephew Chris, and nieces Cassandra, Tony Michelle and Tina Marie.

Following are some fond memories shared by family and friends:

Tamra had a big heart and enjoyed seeing people happy. She loved giving gifts to others. “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” — Acts 20:35

Tamra bought her son Alex every new gaming console that came out because he loved video games.

Tamra enjoyed shopping in secondhand stores, thrifting, and giving things and people second chances. She purchased old prom dresses so her nieces and the neighborhood kids could play dress-up. She’d hold big sleepovers and let the kids stay up late with barely any rules. And even as adults, she’d happily welcome us in. It didn’t matter to her that we showed up uninvited and unannounced.

While living in Chariton, Iowa, Tamra took care of an elderly neighbor for several years and took him to appointments at the VA hospital until he died. They became like family to each other. She’d set out coffee and treats on the back porch and hang a sign indicating she was ready for visits from her friends and neighbors.

“They look just like me, and I think they should be named Tamra Kay”, was Tamra’s standard comment at the birth of every new child in the family.

She liked watching black-and-white movies and old musicals, especially those starring her favorite actors, Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly, and “The Duke” (John Wayne). At one point in her youth, she even requested to be called “The Duke”!

Her newest neighbors even have fond memories. “I told my daughter that since Tamra and her grandsons moved in four months ago my whole life has changed! I love hearing the boys come down the alley bouncing their basketballs and all laughing happily together. They are so polite, respectful, and always willing to help, just like their grandmother. Whatever will I do without her!” Similar sentiments came from many others in town. The local cafe owner bought our dinner. The mayor showed up with condolences and flowers, found a service repairman to fix the fridge, and like many, shared tears and the sentiment, “She will be deeply missed.” Yes, she will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was grateful for — and believed in the value of — the ransom paid by Jesus Christ. “… let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you executed on a stake but whom God raised from the dead, by means of him… there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” — Acts 4:10 (NWT)

If our sister, Tamra, hadn’t already invited you to join her in drawing closer to God, may we do so now. “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you…” — James 4:8 (NWT). Jehovah’s Witnesses provide a free web page @ JW.ORG

Please feel free to share your memories of Tamra. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/33129983/tamra-kay-duffield---rowland

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tamra Kay Duffield - Rowland, please visit our floral store.