"I'm just now finding this web page 2 years after Rosie's death but I hope this message finds it's way to her family and friends. Mrs. Grant was my English teacher and home room teacher at Welch Jr High. A the time I was going through many painful situations in my home life and each day was unbearable for me. Mrs Grant was so perceptive and offered as much comfort as she could but it was her kindness and her caring smile that I will never forget. She knew I needed comfort and her smile and look of concern told me she knew what I was going through and wished she could do more to help. Her smile made such a huge difference and told me someone cared. It got me through each day and I will never forget it! I know God is thanking her on my behalf!"
In loving memory of
Rose "Rosie" Marie Grant
April 25, 2011
Rosie Grant, 90, of Colo, died Saturday in Marion, Iowa. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colo, with lunch following at the church. Burial will be in the Iowa State Cemetery in Ames at 1:30 p.m.
Rosie was born March 7, 1921, in Faribault, Minnesota, the daughter of Mathias and Anne Jane (Nilan) Gulden. She graduated from Waterloo East High School in 1939 and worked her way through Iowa State University serving meals at the Memorial Union cafeteria, where she met her future husband Don, graduating in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics. Rosie and Don were married April 28, 1944, a union that lasted 56 years.
After graduation Rosie taught school at Persia and Jordan, Iowa and at old Central High in Ames before moving to Marion in 1948 and then to Richardson, Texas in 1957. In 1968 she returned with her family to Ames, where she taught at Central Junior High and later at Welch Junior High until her retirement in 1982. She and Don moved to Colo in 1993 where she lived until shortly before her death.
Rosie had unshakable faith and found great joy in everyday things, always reminding her grandkids that "life is just one thing after another, and to "have a little fun every day." She loved watching M.A.S.H., going out for breakfast, and listening to Rod Stewart's "Great American Songbook." She will be remembered with much love and gratitude by all of us whose lives she touched.
She is survived by six grown children: Jim (Maureen) Grant of New Glarus, WI, Joe (Mary Heartlein) Grant of Houston, TX, Mary Margaret (Jim) Gran, Newton, IA, Ellen (Mike) Cyr of Houston, TX, Annie (Mark) Greiter of Marion, IA, and John (Mary DePetro) Grant of Denver, CO and 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, a brother William, and her two sisters Catherine and Dorothy.
A Rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday April 27 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Colo, with visitation from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a wake and family sharing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ISU Foundation - Don and Rosie Grant Incentive Award, ISU Foundation, Memorial Union Alumni Suite, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, 50014-7164.
Murdoch Linwood Funeral Home in Marion and Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada are handling arrangements.
Tributes
"I want to honor Rosie -- and Don. They were a couple who were best friends with my parents (Ruth and Harvey Feyerherm) when they were all young grad students/teachers/professors just starting their professional lives at Iowa State. I think I remember stories of them playing cards at one of their homes (in those Quonset huts for grad student housing at ISU). Anyway - when I went to Iowa State I felt so welcomed by Rosie and Don - they always had an encouraging word, a warm home and a welcoming smile. What a blessing they were to this young woman alone on her own. My heart goes out to the family for you loss. "
"To Rosie's extended family... Let me extend my deepest sympathy to Rosie's children and extended family. Don and Rosie allowed me to "adopt" them as my stand-in parents in Ames while an industrial engineering student at Iowa State in the early 1970's. I will always remember Don's sense of humor and Rosie's comforting and supportive words. As educators, both Don and Rosie had a lasting impact on thousands of students. They reminded us to find the humor in otherwise challenging situations and to find the right path forward. What a great legacy to share with so many! "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as you celebrate Rosie's life. We will remember Rosie and think of Don and how she enjoyed watching our oldest children walk past the house to school before we moved to the country. Whether it was a church event or the 4-H club stopping by with a fruit basket and singing carols, Rosie was always providing a word of encouragement. She truly loved life and that ever present sparkle in her eyes clearly indicated that zest. May God grant her eternal rest and may his perpetual life shine upon her."
" We are so sorry for your loss. I am thankful for having known Rose. She had a beautiful smile and eyes that lit up. I am grateful for all the times she prayed for me and for my family. That support made such a difference. I am lucky to have her children and grandchildren in my life, extending my family and security of friendship that carries us through good times and challenges. A life well lived... love, encouragement and wisdom shared broadly by a wonderful woman. Rose will be missed tremendously by so many. With a warm embrace, Tina "
"What a great picture of Rosie, her fun and humorous nature make all of smile. I think Rosie's true legacy are her amazing kids and grandkids. Some the the most intelligent, loving people I have ever met. Love and prayer to all of you! Chris"