Alice Jane Rova

Alice “Jane” (Ballensky) Rova, of Plymouth, MN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born on January 30, 1938, in Yankton, SD, and was a proud graduate of Yankton High School.

As a young woman, Jane worked at WNEX Radio in Yankton, and later as a secretary for a law firm in Minneapolis before marrying the love of her life, Nestor Edward “Broco” Rova. When her children were older, she returned to work as an administrative assistant at Courage Center.

Jane and Broco were married on June 18, 1960, and shared 46 wonderful years together. Family was important with many days spent creating memories with aunts, uncles and cousins. Summers meant treasured time together at the family cabin in Ely, along with road trips across the United States via a station wagon and tent. After becoming empty-nesters, Jane and Broco continued exploring the world together, traveling throughout Europe and China.

More than anything, Jane loved her family and her home. She always made sure her children and grandchildren were taken care of. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and took great joy in spoiling them. Among their favorite memories were outings to the Landscape Arboretum, Lake Harriet band shelter / rose gardens, creating fairy gardens together, sleepovers and trips to Old Country Buffet.

Jane had an innate sense of design. Everything she touched was a creation meant to please the eye. Her home was her canvas, but her gardens were perhaps her greatest masterpiece. She loved flowers, plants, rocks, nature, and discovering something unusual to add to her collection.

Everywhere Jane lived, she found people to love and people who loved her in return. She treasured her friendships, many of which lasted for decades. There were always stories to share, places to go, laughter to enjoy, and reasons to celebrate together. Her friends brought tremendous joy to her life, and their love and companionship were cherished.

Jane was also concerned about the world around her and fought for equality for all. She was actively involved in her church, helping with the stewardship ministry, and preschool board. Multiple times Jane and Broco welcomed others to live in their home while they got back on their feet.

Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Nestor “Broco” Rova; her cherished grandson, Jacob; her sister, Dorothy. Their losses left enormous spaces in her heart, and we find comfort in imagining the joy of their reunion.

Jane is survived by her son, Eric Rova (Trisha); daughters, Kris Poston, Amy Rova-Duffy (John); grandchildren, Amanda (Gabe), Zachary (Jill), Madilyn (Paul), Sophia (Miguel); great-granddaughter, Geneva. She is also survived by the family she lovingly welcomed as her own: Yenwha Luong, Jon, Brenna, Charlotte, and Olavi Choi.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Lindstrom Senior Living for the exceptional care, kindness, and gentle compassion they showed Jane, especially during her final days. Knowing she was surrounded by people who cared for her with such tenderness brought great comfort to her family.

Jane spent a lifetime planting things—flowers in her gardens, kindness in her community, adventure in her family, and love in the hearts of those around her. What she planted will continue to grow for generations.

On Friday, September 11, at noon, a small, intimate ceremony celebrating Jane’s life will be held for relatives and close friends. Join us at Lakewood Cemetery in the Oak Garden (turn right upon entering), 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN. Interment will immediately follow: Section 56, Row 11D, Lot 20. Please see cemetery map below. Afterward, family and friends are invited to gather at the Memory Tree located by the entrance gates of the cemetery, for refreshments, conversation, and sharing of stories. You are welcome to bring a small rock to leave with Alice.