In loving memory of

Rose Marie Ferris
January 12, 1938 - July 19, 2013

MADISON - Rose Marie Ferris, age 75, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare after a heroic 20 year battle with emphysema. Born in Ashland, Oregon on January 12, 1938 to Alfred Donald Ogden and Zeta Leona Firestone, Rose Marie was the youngest of five children. She married Charles Edwin Ferris on July 29, 1956. They lived in Fresno, Eureka and Santa Barbara, California before relocating their family of three boys to Stevens Point, Wis. A fourth son, Michael Victor, was born in 1976. In 1977, Rose Marie and family moved to Madison where she resided until her passing.

Rose Marie was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was a gifted and prolific writer who penned 14 romance novels and 2 mysteries, including "The Heart's Awakening", "To Tame a Man" and "Button, Button". Her 1991 novel, "Double Dare", earned a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Certificate of Excellence.

Rose Marie is survived by her three sons, Steven Charles (Elizabeth), William Dean (Alice) and David Paul; grandchildren, Emma, Kegan and Matthew. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Michael Victor and husband, Charles.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose Marie's name to UNICEF or Agrace HospiceCare.

Godspeed Taillight.

Tributes

Grace Bloodgood wrote on Jul 29, 2013:

"My sympathies to all of her family and friends. She was a gentle kind woman. "

Barbara Schenck & family wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"I will never forget Rose's wry sense of humor and dry wit. She was a great sounding board when I was starting to write, and a support and great friend for years. My deepest sympathies to Steve, Bill, David and your families on your loss. There will never be another quite like your mom. She will be missed!"

Annie Lin wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Rose was a very kind and thoughtful person. She always thought of the needs of her family and people around her first. We will miss her."