I received the following from the folks at The Garden this morning.  I would just add that Rose touched my life, and I was never the same after she did so.  I will miss her deeply, but her friends are right...hers is a life for this community to celebrate.
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Hi Everyone
The Garden is back and will be in full swing as of Mon.As you all know I have been under the weather for for a bit...I want to Thank you all..
Thank you all and Play safe
Your Friend Rose"

Rose posted those words just last October. 73 years old and she was still making things happen. "Toys for Tots" is barely passed.  When most women were taking up needlepoint she was starting the career that would lead to this very Board.  Rose lived life on her own terms with no apologies. None were necessary. She lived without complaint to the very end and no one needs to complain in her place.

In whatever manner is your style, be jubilant in her memory. Praise the day as she did, with unabashed joy. Let January 9 always be a day for gladness, a day to share the lust for life that Rose lived every day.

And again, in her words,
"Thank you all and Play safe",
D & G

-- Modified on 1/10/2009 10:56:56 AM

-- Modified on 1/10/2009 10:57:49 AM

I am so sorry to hear this news, Rose was such a wonderful lady..I will never forget the first time we met, we talked & laughed all night. I know she liked me as much as I liked her, she really meant a lot to me and I will miss her deeply.  

My warmest sincere prayers and thoughts to her family. A mother is the toughest loss to ever bear with...Today is the 3rd year anniversary of my mothers passing and I'm still not over it. I will forever have Rose in my thoughts with my mother. I do hope that Rose meets my Mom, I can see them both playing video poker side by side

Terri

-- Modified on 1/10/2009 11:47:48 AM

Wow im so saddened to read this .
Im so glad i got to know her
she was an amazing woman
Brightest Blessings Dear Rose

At first, I was very saddened by this news, but I know Rose would want me (and everyone) to be happy. In fact, she'd probably want a party. I thought she was an amazing person, and I loved her style.

She had guts. She had her own style. She had balls -- pardon me, Rose.

Rest in peace, dear lady.

Hugs,
Ciara

Rose was not only a wonderful person, but a wonderful friend.  I will surely miss her hearty laugh, wonderful smile and words of wisdom she often shared with me.  In her honor I share this poem with all who knew and loved her. To her family I send my prayers, my love and respect!

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

She was a very nice lady. Fun to talk to.

yes truely a one of a kind lady....she was a joy to everyone!!!She will be greatly missed....

...I imagine she is sitting playing poker on her computer.  Knowing Rose she will convinvce them to leave the door open a crack for the rest of us!  So sad to loose her  but Rose would want not want too many tears, just happy memories.  
Good bye ole girl, you are one of kind!

Met Rose at a couple valley parties.  A treasure of the hobby for sure.  We actually had a mutual acquaintance which we laughed about.  My condolances to all her family and friends.

Rose was a sweetheart and she set me up on the best date I ever had.  Love you Rose..........

I am so very sad to hear of the passing of my very good friend Rose.  She was a part of my life for 14 years.  She was a wonderful person to the point that I called her mom.  She treated me as a part of her family.  I have known her and her family for so long and it saddens my heart so much that she is gone.  I love you Rose and will miss you very much!

Rose was an Icon in this community. I will miss seeing and talking to her at the M&Gs.
She was always respectful to her clients and ladies.
My prayers go out to her family.
She will be missed.
May she rest in peace.

my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and her sweet granddaughter that she adored and raised into a fine little lady.

Rose was very special.......rest in peace, my dear.....you will always be in my thoughts.

Kelly

-- Modified on 1/11/2009 12:39:25 AM

People, I've ever met.  In any walk of life, she would stand out.  Always straight up, but so nice to all.  Met her at a mmet and greet, and instantly liked her.  
so sad, to see her gone.  To say she will be missed, is a great understatement.  
Rest In Peace, Rose.

My Condolences

Wow I have not been on here in so long .
I am really out of touch with everyone.
Rose was like a mom to me , actually I even called her mom. Her grandaughter was my daughters best friend and I watched her grow up into a beautiful woman. I have not got to visit anyone in a couple of years but last time I saw Rose it was as usual.... Lots of laughing and gossiping till wee hours and laugh about all the crazy things we have seen over the years.
I have known Rose since I was 23 years old and am now 40 somthing LOL.
Can someone from my past please email me and let me know how M---- is ( her grandaughter) and what happened. I am so out of touch.
Kymberlyanne
P.S
I think all of you who said Rose would not want us to be sad is right and I know for a fact she would want a Party.
I have many GREAT pictures of Rose from over the years if you would like to make a memory board of her for the occation if anyone has one.
Also if there is any services can someone please let me know.
Thanks again
Kymberlyanne

I met Rose over 17 years ago. In that time her provider service came a long way. She did a lot for community,charity & was a true supporter of many who posted her.
I spoke with her last about 3 weeks ago.She told me how much pain she was in & how she just had to suck it up. Whàt a strong lady.
Little did I know it was the last time we would evéry speak.
Rose, I will always remember you for what you did for me. You were a true friend & I will take that with me forever. Rest in peace my dear friend. You will never have to suffer again.

TMAN

Rose will be missed by all of us.

A special joy and honor to know our "Mama Rose"...
has been shared by so many of us!

A note of appreciation to Rose's family for sharing her.

She lived life to it's fullest...
She earned a respect and admiration with her honest and nonsense, but maternal way.

I am appreciative of my visit's to Rose's garden, the flowers alway were tended by a talented gardener who allow had to time to chat & gossip...

As always... I will look forward to my next oppertunity to visit with Mama Rose, because if that oppertunity becomes availible, I know I will be in very good company... in a truely heavenly garden of eden.

Ezcoyote

Fortuna audaces juvat... Fortune favors the bold...

I only meet her once while with a great friend and was touched by her genuineness. Those who knew her better were blessed to have.

and I'm sure she'll be missed by everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

It truly is a loss for all of us in the community to not have Rose around any longer. The first time I met her she knew who I was before I knew who she was and everytime we met after that we always laughed about the first time we encountered each other.

Thanks Rose for who you were more than anything!!

Rest in peace!!

Puss och Kram,
Swedish Anna

Many of us owe so much to people like Rose.

May she find eternal peace and happiness.

Sheika Fatima
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