Rosetta Mae ELLIS

Rosie Mae Ellis, age 71, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 28, 2015, in O'Fallon, Missouri, surrounded by her loving family and the caring staff of BJC-Progress West Hospital. Rosie, a twin, was born March 6, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Eva Jane(Canaday) Ellis and Raleigh Victor Ellis. Rosie and her twin, Richard, along with two older brothers, spent most of their childhood in Kansas. Rosie and Richard were raised by loving grandparents until 10 years of age. She attended Iola High School and also worked for two years as a waitress in a local diner. In 1961, at 17 years of age, Rosie married Dale Reece, who was teaching college courses at the time. Shortly thereafter, Dale enlisted in the United States Navy and over the course of the next six years, had assignments across the U.S. and abroad. During this time, Rosie met many interesting people and was excited to see so many parts of the country. Rosie gave birth to her first two children and made homes for the family in San Diego, California then in the states of Utah, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island. By 1968, Rosie and Dale had moved to the St. Louis area and were also blessed with a son, Patrick. Dale left active duty at this time, becoming a Navy Reservist instead. He also began his civilian career with the Department of the Army. These changes allowed Rosie and Dale to purchase a home in St. Charles in 1972. Rosie also gave birth to their fourth child, Jennifer to complete their family. After so many moves, Rosie was thrilled to finally call this house her home. Rosie and Dale raised their children and helped to raise their grandchildren in this home for over 42 years. After Dale's passing last year, Rosie found a new home with her daughter, Sherry and her son-in-law, Mark. This comforted Rosie, as she was ever weakened by kidney disease and other health concerns. During her life, Rosie's kind and loving spirit was felt by many others. While family was always her priority, she was also active through the years in her church and in many volunteer activities. She loved her extended family at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, and was most recently involved in the prayer ministry and in the MAYTAGS. She was amazed at the outpouring of support she received from the congregation, especially as Dale became ill and in his passing last year. She is most grateful for the rides and companionship they provided her as they took her to hundreds of dialysis appointments when Dale was too weak to drive. Rosie also enjoyed to travel, saying that Las Vegas, NV was her favorite trip and that San Diego, CA her favorite place to live. She was an avid bridge player, bowled for many years, participated in Red Hats, often played cards with friends, and loved to listen to music and go dancing with Dale in the earlier years. She loved to cook and to entertain. One of her favorite parties included an Elvis Presley impersonator. Rosie volunteered in many ways over her lifetime. She worked for the American Red Cross, a local Food Pantry, participated in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts, and during their military years, was active with the Reserve Officers Ladies Association. Rosie was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and will no doubt be rooting for them to win the World Series again this year. She also had special concern and love for those who could not take care of themselves- especially children and puppies. Her puppy of choice was the Boston Terrier and she had 5 of them over the course of the 42 years in St. Charles. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents, by Dale, her companion for more than 50 years, by Richard Ellis, her twin brother, and by her other brothers Bobbie Ellis and Wayne (Rex) Ellis. She was survived by her dear brother Carl Anderson of Cleveland, OH and her special nephew Daryl Rovai of San Francisco, CA. She is also survived by many more nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Rosie was also survived by her children Carleen(Bob) Monroe of Green Bay, WI, Sherry(Mark) Martinez of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Patrick Reece of Moscow Mills, MO, and Jennifer(John) Sheehan of St. Peters, MO. She was also the dearest grandmother to, and is survived by, Nicole and Mark Brian Martinez, Jacob and Kyle Monroe, Dalton, Elizabeth, and Emily Reece, Zachary, Brandan, Connor, and Ava Sheehan, Stacey Attinger and Gracie McIver. She was also the great grandmother to Julie and Brendan Attinger. A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Rosie at Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 3115 Elm Street, St. Charles, MO 63301 at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2015. Rosie requested that donations be made to the church in lieu of flowers. However, if you do send flowers, Rosie loved red roses.

Rosetta Mae ELLIS

March 6, 1944 - September 28, 2015