Sandra Kay Rowland

Sandra Kay Rowland

October 19, 1947 - July 16, 2024

Sandra Kay (Gohl) Rowland, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024.  Born to Emerald and Kathleen (Duke) Gohl in Ferndale, MI. Sandy will forever be known for her dedication to her family, her caring heart for others, and her faithfulness to her Lord and Savior, Jesus.

As a young girl, Sandy and her family began attending The Salvation Army Corps in Royal Oak, MI. She was actively involved in the youth and music programs, and eventually became an accomplished cornet player in The Salvation Army’s Brass Band.

Sandy met her husband, Edward Rowland, while attending Salvation Army Music Camps and other events as teenagers. They married on March 18, 1967 and both became musicians and lay leaders at the Royal Oak Salvation Army.

In 1985, Sandy and Ed felt God’s calling to further their service to Him through The Salvation Army, and became Salvation Army officers. They served as leaders in Alpena MI, as directors of The Salvation Army’s Denby Center for Children’s Services in Detroit, MI for 17 years, and as directors of The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light in Detroit, MI. While there, Sandy made it a point to lead Bible studies for children, adults, and staff.

In retirement, Sandy and Ed continued their service in The Salvation Army as pastoral care officers, and were soldiers at the Dearborn Heights Salvation Army, where they again shared their gifts of music and leadership.

Sandy and Ed had two children, Michael in 1970 and Julie in 1975. Sandy was deeply devoted to both her children, and that was evident in her care for Julie who was born with multiple special needs including Downs Syndrome. For 34 years, Sandy and Ed faithfully cared for Julie, taking her on adventures, to camps, and other events.

The loving memory of Sandy Rowland will forever be cherished by her husband, Ed Rowland, her son, Mike (Amber) Rowland, her grandchildren, Natalie Rowland and Nathan Rowland, her brother Bob (Mary) Gohl. Sandy was preceded in death by her daughter, Julie Rowland, her parents, Emerald Gohl and Kathleen Gohl Gilchrist.

Visitation will be held at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W Warren St, Dearborn Heights, MI on Friday, July 19 from 3-7 PM, and at The Salvation Army Dearborn Heights Citadel, 26700 W Warren St, Dearborn Heights, MI on Saturday, July 20 from 2-3 PM. A funeral service will be held at The Salvation Army Dearborn Heights Citadel Saturday, July 20 at 3 PM.

In memory of Sandy, the Rowlands will be establishing a scholarship to annually send a family to the Central Bible Leadership Institute held each summer in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations to this scholarship fund can be made through the Dearborn Heights Salvation Army .