Rowena L. Michaels

Ms. Michaels died Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at her home.

She was born Nov. 20, 1933, in Wilmore, the daughter of Bernarr Myrl Seaman and Elizabeth Mae Berrey.

Ms. Michaels’ Hereford steer won the 4-H Grand Championship at the Kansas State Fair when she was a senior in high school. She received a bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry and journalism at Oklahoma State University.

She worked in livestock journalism at The Western Livestock Journal and The American Hereford Journal. Ms. Michaels was the first woman to serve as editor of a major livestock breed publication, The Charolais Banner.

Ms. Michaels was a charter member of the Environmental Protection Agency when it was created in 1972. She served as director of public affairs for 28 years. She directed environmental education programs through the EPA’s outreach and grant programs in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

She married Alonzo L. Michaels Jr. He died earlier.

Survivors include a daughter, Peggy Billings, Lawrence; a brother, Larry Seaman, Holiday Island, Ark.; and two grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to Rowena L. Michaels Memorial Environmental Science Scholarship, American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver 80021. Haskell Indian Nations University students will be eligible for the scholarships.