Dr. Diane Louise (Failor) Rowell, 69, of Moneta, Virginia (Bedford County), passed away unexpectedly at 12:02 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident on the evening of January 12, 2026.
Diane was born on February 9, 1956, in Washington, D.C. From the time she was just four years old, Diane knew she wanted to become a doctor—and she pursued that calling with unwavering determination, grit, and purpose. She accomplished her lifelong dream while raising three young children through medical school, a reflection of her strength and perseverance, and the depth of her devotion to both family and service.
At just 17 years old, Diane met the love of her life, Joe Rowell, Sr., while working as a gift wrapper at Hecht’s Department Store. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Joe preceded her in death in 2023.
Diane obtained her Associate in Science from Sandhills Community College in 1979, her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University in 1982, and later earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in 1989. She completed her residency training with Carilion at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1991, and was board certified in Family Medicine. She later became board certified in Emergency Medicine through ABPS in 2016.
Following residency, Diane began practicing in Stuart, Virginia, where she served the community as an Emergency Room physician and helped strengthen and build emergency services within Patrick County as its Operational Medical Director. She later worked at the Farmville Centra Southside Community Hospital’s Emergency Department, and in 2012, began her long-term service at the Martinsville Emergency Department, where she continued working full-time until her untimely passing.
In 2005, Diane also opened a primary care practice in Bedford, Virginia, where she compassionately cared for generations of families and patients. She worked there full time until she sold the practice in 2023, shortly after the death of her beloved husband. Even then, she continued serving the Bedford community part-time while remaining deeply committed to her work in Martinsville.
Diane dedicated her life to caring for others—her patients, her coworkers, her friends, and her family. Across decades of service, she touched countless lives through her compassion, kindness, humility, strength, and tireless advocacy for those in need. She fought hard for her patients and loved ones, and her impact as a physician and a woman of integrity will never be forgotten.
Outside of medicine, Diane found joy in the peaceful beauty of home in the countryside. She loved gardening, spending time with her cats and dogs, taking walks on the farm, and watching over her chickens. She was truly the heart of her family—their rock—steady, devoted, and deeply loved.
Diane was preceded in death by, not only her husband, Joe, but also her mother, Lucille Failor; her older brother, George Failor; and her younger brother, Lodi Failor.
She is survived by her children, Joe Rowell, Jr., Robert Rowell (Darcy), and Leah Franks (Jerry); and her cherished grandchildren, Noah Franks and Katelynn Franks. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Martha Jo Rowell, who still lives on the farm, and many other extended family members, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life and career.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bedford Humane Society.
Arrangements are being handled by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W Main St, Bedford, Virginia 24523.
