Weslaco/Harlingen- Minerva Rowe Dugger “Minnie,” 86, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. She was born on October 25, 1933, to Candelario Ortega and Emilia Guerra Ortega.
Minnie grew up in Weslaco, but moved to Illinois where she graduated high school from Yorkville, Illinois. She married Alan Rowe on April 22, 1956 and they raised four children together.
Many will remember Minnie from her many years with Progreso ISD, where she spent most of her career as a teacher’s aide. Minnie was friendly and never met a stranger. She always had a smile on her face and had a bubbly cheerful personality. Minnie loved traveling in her spare time, shopping, and especially dancing. She began dancing at a young age.
Minnie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 20, 1973. She spent the next forty six years preaching and teaching, being a Regular Pioneer for twenty years. She was very passionate about spreading the word. Her weekends and evenings were usually spent at the Kingdom Hall or out witnessing to many.
Minnie is preceded in death by her parents, Candelario and Emilia Ortega, her first husband, Alan Rowe, brothers, Alonso, Ruben, Rudelio, and Rogelio “Roy” Ortega, and sister, Martina Carralez.
She is survived by her husband, Duane Dugger, children, Michael Rowe, Ronald “Ronnie” Rowe, Lori Ann Jones, and Elizabeth Lynn Rowe, step-children, Rex Dugger (Cynthia), Rodney Dugger, J.R., sisters, Minda Burden and Maxine Reyna, grandchildren, Michelle, Crystal, Kody, Kalyn, Karley, Dakota and Floyd, Nicolas, and Justin.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 20th, 7 pm, at Parker-La Feria Kingdom Hall, 1651 S Parker Rd. in La Feria, TX 78559.