Rowena Nancalene Reich

Rowena Nancalene "Nancy" Reich, 91, died early Tuesday morning at the Journey Home facility in Bartlesville. Nancalene was born on April 3, 1934, in Nowata to Roy O. "Hop" and Bernice (Cowdery) Long. She was the oldest of 5 children in the family. She was a longtime resident of Nowata, except for about 18 months while her father worked in the California shipyards as a welder during the war. After her husband died, she moved to Bartlesville to be near her children. She was a graduate of Nowata High School where she was active in chorus, flag twirlers, yearbook and library staff.

After attending Bartlesville Business College, she was employed by Phillips Petroleum Co., and later the Nowata Daily Star, the Nowata Tag Office, and Nowata Public Schools in the high school principal's office. She retired from Nowata High School after working there for over 15 years. Along with her sister, Carlie, Nancalene assisted the Nowata Jaycees with guidance from the Bartlesville Library, in establishing the Nowata Library and then later serving on the Library Board.

She married Delbert Lee Reich in Nowata, Feb. 5, 1955. They were married for 53 years before his passing on Dec. 27, 2008. They were blessed with two children. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling in their motor home, and especially spending time in Branson, MO. They were both long-time members of, and actively involved with Hillside Christian Church.

Nancalene enjoyed gardening, sewing, needlework, attending her children's sports activities, reading but especially spending time with family.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Crow of Bartlesville, daughter-in-law Teresa Reich of Bartlesville, and brother Jerry Long of Missoula, MT; 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; along with a host of other relatives and friends. Nancalene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Delbert; a son Greg Reich; her siblings, Carlie Taylor, Dale Long, and Robin Long; and one granddaughter.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Friday, March 27, from 9:00 am to noon. Graveside services will be held on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026, at 2:00pm in the Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery, with interment immediately following. Pastor Van Longbons will officiate services. Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata. 918-273-2700