Tragedy as 'Loving Mum' Found Dead at Home, Man Arrested on Suspicion of Murder
Rita Rowley, an 84-year-old woman described by her family as a "loving mum," was found dead at her home in Prees Higher Heath, near Whitchurch, Shropshire. The discovery was made on January 27 at an address on Woodlands Grove, where an 80-year-old man was also found with life-threatening injuries.
Man Arrested and in Critical Condition
West Mercia Police confirmed that the man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has remained in hospital in a critical condition since the incident. Authorities have stated that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with Rita's death, offering reassurance to the local community that this appears to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.
Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay of West Mercia Police expressed condolences, saying, "Firstly, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the woman who sadly lost her life. We understand an incident of this nature may be concerning for the local community, but we would like to offer some reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public."
Family Pays Moving Tribute to Rita Rowley
Rita's children have issued a heartfelt tribute through the police, celebrating her life as a dedicated charity volunteer, animal lover, and keen gardener. They described her as a woman who, despite suffering from Alzheimer's, remained "bright and engaging."
In their statement, they said, "We would like to pay tribute to our loving mum Rita, she with our late father Colin raised us to be caring and kind. During her life, she wanted to lead her own life and to be independent."
Rita met her husband Colin in Malta while he was serving in the RAF, and she bravely moved to a different country, leaving her family behind. She worked as a seamstress with a great love of fashion and was always smartly dressed. The couple shared a passion for travel, and even after Colin's death, Rita continued to travel solo or with friends, often visiting her beloved Malta.
A Life Full of Passion and Community Spirit
Rita's interests were diverse and deeply held:
- Music and Dancing: She loved music, particularly Elvis Presley and Johnny Mattis, and always had music playing in her home, enjoying modern tunes as well.
- Gardening: An exceptional plantswoman, she cultivated a vegetable patch and flower garden, successfully propagating from cuttings and seeds, which she happily shared with others.
- Animals: She had a love for all animals, feeding stray cats and garden birds multiple times a day, with a favourite Robin that would wait at her back door.
- Community Service: With an enduring Catholic faith and friendly personality, she volunteered for over 20 years at the Age UK daycare centre in Whitchurch and drove people to appointments or helped with shopping and household tasks.
Her family added, "Mum always worked hard throughout her life; she was always there for us and encouraged and supported us to do well. We will greatly miss her, even though her Alzheimer's was affecting her confidence and sociability she was still bright and engaging. At this time, we would like our privacy to be respected."
Investigation Continues
The investigation into Rita Rowley's death is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and support the family. The scene in Prees Higher Heath has been examined by forensics teams, and updates are expected as the man in hospital remains under arrest and medical care.
This tragic event has left the community in shock, but the family's tribute highlights a life well-lived, filled with kindness, independence, and a strong sense of community. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on justice for Rita and support for those grieving her loss.
