Obituaries : Mary Ellen Rosekrans Smith

Mary Ellen Rosekrans Smith

Mary Ellen Rosekrans Smith passed away Thursday, January 29th at Virginia Gay Nursing & Rehab in Vinton, Iowa, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mary was born on April 11, 1934 to Milton and Elsa Kautz Sallee in Des Plaines, Ill. Mary graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1952. On March 7, 1953 she married Richard "Dick" Floyd Rosekrans at the Prairie Creek Christian Church. They had four children: Ricky Lee (Brenda) Rosekrans of Lexington, Missouri; Carilyn Sue (Thomas) Engledow of Vinton; Rita Rae (Rob Leblanc) Lane of Waltham, Massachusetts; and Rodney Jay (Gayle) Rosekrans of Missouri." Dick" preceded her in death in June, 1988.
Mary was a devoted wife and mother, she and "Dick" made their home in Vinton for many years and then buying an acreage north of Vinton in order to enjoy the outdoors. They bred and hatched bobwhite quail, pheasants, Canadian geese, mallard ducks and numerous other exotic fowl throughout the years. Mary loved all animals but had a special place in her heart for her beloved cats. She never turned away a stray, naming and caring for each and every one.
Dick and Mary enjoyed making quilts after his retirement, which are cherished by their children as a remembrance of their love. They enjoyed gardening and spent many hours canning and freezing items from the garden. Grandma will always be remembered for her canned candied zucchini. Mary loved Elvis Presley and loved displaying her collection of Elvis memorabilia in her home.
Mary was a volunteer Girl Scout leader, and volunteered with many local organizations including the Iowa Braille School and Virginia Gay Annex, where she called Bingo for many years. She was a collector of postcards, with thousands of cards in her collection. She traded cards with over 50 pen pals from around the World.
Mary was an avid bowler at Berry’s Lanes in Vinton for over 40 years. In her prime she bowled three times per week on various leagues, but always looked forward to her Thursday night out with the ladies of the HiWay Lassies. The highlight of her bowling season was attending the Women’s State Bowling Tournament each year.
Mary never missed sending a card for every birthday, anniversary and holiday and will be remembered by her grandchildren for her holiday goodie bags.
Mary looked forward to attending services at the First Christian Church and her Wednesday Bible study class with her friends.
Mary was very proud of all her grandchildren, evident by the pictures she proudly displayed. Her grandchildren include: Dan and Alesia Engledow, Ashley Payne and Brenden Lane, Darcie Loffler, Rishae, William and Stanley Rosekrans, Steven and Terry Burgess and step-grandchildren Rachael and Samantha Smith, Chris and Jenny Peal. Mary is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren.
After Richard’s death, she found comfort with George Smith. The couple was married July 4, 1990. Mary and George raised exotic birds. They attended auctions, traveled and volunteered with local organizations. George preceded her in death in 2006.
After George’s death, Mary moved to an apartment in Vinton. As her disease progressed she moved to assisted living and then to her home at the Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab. Mary enjoyed her time at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab, where she was well cared for by the many dedicated and loving staff. She will be remembered by them for her smile and hugs.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 4th at 2pm at the First Christian Church with Pastor Connie Wacht officiating. Committal Services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 3rd from 5-7pm at the First Christian Church.
As per Mary’s wishes, her body has been cremated and a memorial fund has been established.