ILION - Mrs. Ellen (Perry) Rowland, age 75, of Ilion, passed away suddenly on Monday, June 30, 2014, while peacefully asleep in the comfort of her home. Born in Ilion, NY, on August 14, 1938, Ellen was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Clara (Getman) Perry. She was raised and educated locally, graduating from Ilion High School with the Class of 1956. On July 22, 1961, she was married to Frederick Rowland, and the couple shared almost 53 years of love and companionship. They were blessed with a deep connection and understanding for one another. In her earlier years, Ellen worked for the Herkimer County Social Service Department. However, it was after deciding to stay home to raise her children that she lived up to her life's work as matriarch and homemaker for her family. A dedicated and loving mother, Ellen guided her children as only a mother could. That same maternal instinct shone when she became a grandmother, as she was deeply involved as a part of her grandchildren's lives. Always the caregiver, Ellen was known for graciously helping those around her who were in need. She was a true philanthropist, volunteering her time to many causes. She was dedicated to the Ilion Food Pantry for many years, served over 40 years as an election inspector in her area and offered her time in the planning of events, such as banquets and class reunions. She gave herself to her family, friends and community in a truly selfless way. Ellen was someone who truly enjoyed a wide array of life's gifts. She loved to cook, sew, crochet and spend Tuesday nights at the Ilion Free Public Library with her knitting group. An avid bird watcher and animal lover, Ellen especially enjoyed long car rides with her dog in the next seat. She also spent many years enjoying the outdoors at her family camp on Canadarago Lake. A woman of faith, Ellen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ilion. Ellen is survived by her husband, Fred Rowland; her daughters and sons-in-law, Jayne and Bruce Morgan, of Ilion, and Beth and Brett Hively, of Atlanta, GA; her sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Michele Rowland, and Joel and Kelly Rowland, all of Ilion; and her grandchildren, David and Jacob Morgan, Matthew and Megan Hively, Cory and Paige Rowland, and Tria and Iley Beth Rowland. She also leaves behind a brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Laura Perry; her brother-in-law, Bill Kirkland; her nieces and nephew, Barbara Presley, Christine Keough, Joann Kelly and Jeffrey Perry; special cousins, Gary Hitchcock, Gail Risinger, Pam Eargle, Bill Getman and Steve Getman; and many special friends and neighbors, including Carol Jarvis and those from the camp on Canadarago Lake. Ellen was predeceased by her brother, Dane Perry, and her sister-in-law, Mildred Kirkland. Ellen's family will celebrate her life in a private graveside ceremony at Armory Hill Cemetery. For those wishing to honor her memory, please consider a donation to the Herkimer Area Resource Center, The Breast Cancer Society, or the Ilion Free Public Library Foundation. Anyone wishing to share a memory of Ellen, or add to her online memorial, may visit www.applegateandday.com The Rowland family has entrusted all service arrangements to their family Funeral Director and friend, Don Applegate, and Funeral Director, Martin Ciaccia.