Royetta Elaine (Rowland) Stamper

Royetta Elaine Rowland Stamper, 69, wife of Larry Stamper, passed away August 8, 2021 at her home following a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). Diagnosed October 2019, within 6 months, she was in a wheelchair, with no function of her limbs.

She was born on January 4, 1952 in Morgan County, Kentucky to the late Conrad A. and Wilma Henry Rowland.

She was a loving wife to her husband Larry of 47 years and mother to son Charles Fremon Stamper. She is survived by her sister, Theresa Salyer, brother, Dean Rowland (Pam), sisters-in law, Ruth Hollan (Bill), Blanche Arnold, and Delois Noe, brothers-in-law, Marvin Stamper, Charles Stamper (Lucy), and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

Royetta grew up in a loving Christian family on the family farm in Morgan County. Working along side her Dad, her love for gardening grew and she has shared the knowledge with her son and friends along with the fruits (and vegetables) from her garden.

A graduate of Ezel High School class of 1970, Royetta then attended Morehead State University graduating in Vocational Education. She taught 13 years at Morgan County High School, teaching Home Economics and Food for special occasions along with teaching night classes at Morehead State University for 7 years. She continued her education with a Masters in Education, Rank 1 in Education and a speciality in Special Education. Moving to Winchester in 1992, she worked as a special education teacher at George Rogers Clark High School until she retired in 2005. She was the first collaborative special education teacher at GRC. She retired in 2005 after 27 years of service to help take care of her ailing father.

Anyone that knew Royetta, knew she was a avid sports fan. She traveled all over Kentucky and surrounding states following her beloved GRC basketball boys and girls team. Her favorite memory of the GRC Hoops was when she had the honor of being an assistant coach of the team, sitting on the bench instead of a couple rows behind the team. Coach Graham, assistant coaches, and team embraced her on the bench as well as in the locker room.

She attended the Boy's State Tournament faithfully for 50 years, having her first date with her husband at the game in 1970. Her one wish after learning she had ALS was that both GRC boys and girls make it to the state tournament in 2020. Her wish came true but unfortunately the tournament was cancelled due to the pandemic. This year she attended the Boys Sweet 16 games to watch the GRC boys play at Rupp Arena.

If Royetta was not wearing cardinal red, you would find her wearing UK blue. She was also an avid fan of the Big Blue Nation. Holding season tickets for years, she rarely missed a game at Rupp Arena, and often traveling to other places to watch her beloved Cats.

Royetta was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad A. and Wilma Henry Rowland, granddaughter Faith Knox Stamper, brother-in-law Alan Salyer, and nephew Alan Reed Salyer.

Royetta was a faithful member of Christview Christian Church in Winchester where her memorial service will be held.

A special thank you to Judy Adams, her caretaker, Valda Adams and Bonnie Cessna, her special childhood friends that visited her weekly, and all the wonderful friends that dropped by to visit and reminisce and laugh about adventures.

Pallbearers will be Derrick Clemons, Mark Davidson, Adam Fatkin, Bo Harris, Brandon Hawkins, Andrew Rogers, Robbie Stenzel, and Vinny Zollo. Honorary pallbearers include Judy Adams, Valda “Jill” Adams, Larry Curtis, Robbie Graham and Family, Ruth Mace, Guy Strong, Nancy Wills, GRC colleagues, GRC Hoops players, past and present.

Visitation will be  11:30am, Wednesday, August 11,2021 until time of the funeral at 1:30pm at Christview Christian Church at 3133 Boonesboro Road. Winchester, KY. with Doug Christopher presiding over the service. Herald & Stewart & Halsey Funeral Home, West Liberty, KY in charge of the arrangements. Following the visitation, the graveside service will be in Ezel, Kentucky at the Ezel cemetery. U.S.460 Presbyterian Church Road, Ezel,KY.

Memorial contributions are suggested to: Clark County Community Services 30 Taylor Ave Winchester, KY 40391 or Christview Church 3133 Boonesboro Rd Winchester, KY 40391 or Hospice East 407 Shoppers Dr Winchester, KY 40391

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