Rose Holsclaw's Obituary
Our sweet mother, Rosalie Holsclaw (Rose or Rosie to her family and friends), passed away on Thursday, March 23. Rose was a kind, thoughtful and unselfish woman who will be loved, missed, and forever cherished. Known as Grandbear to some, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, mother in law, friend, educator, honored high school basketball player, and a baker of cookies.
Rose’s story starts in rural Iowa on March 14, 1935. She was the middle child to Rene and Louisa “Toots” Remmers. She was born in Sibley, IA, and spent her childhood on the farm in Melvin, IA. She graduated from Melvin High School, then moved to Sioux City, IA to attend Morningside College, where she would receive a teaching certificate. This is where she met and married her long-time sweetheart, Harry "Bill" Holsclaw. They moved to Clinton, IA in 1956, and raised two children, David, and Ann. Rose was blessed to work for many years with the staff and children at Horace Mann Elementary School. She had the skill and ability to bring compassion, principle, and love to everyone she met and was humbled to receive the Stan Reeves Gold Key Award. It was common for students and athletes to hang out at the house while she made bowl after bowl of popcorn. Students continued friendships with Rose long after graduation.
When not enjoying Door County with Bill, she was an avid gardener, birder, writer, sports enthusiast (Go Hawks), P.E.O. Sisterhood member, and a leader at The River Arts Center. Rose was grateful for the opportunity to meet and spend time with Eleanor Roosevelt. She loved God and dedicated herself to spiritual growth and healing and was deeply involved in the Christian Science church.
Family members who preceded Rose in death, were Rene Remmers (Father), Louisa Year Remmers (Mother), Bill Holsclaw (Husband), Renee Warning and Rita Johnson (Sisters), George and Ralph Year (Uncles). Survivors include her son David and his wife Julia, daughter Ann Holsclaw Nelson and husband Robert, two granddaughters, Emily Holsclaw, Cheris Nelson, and numerous nieces and nephews she holds dear.
A special thanks goes out to all of Rose's friends, P.E.O. sisters and Apple Valley Lane neighbors for their kindness, love, and support. We thank all of you for being an important part of her life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held for Rose on Saturday, June 3, 2:00pm-4:00pm
at River Arts Center in Clinton, IA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to either:
P.E.O. Chapter JW, c/o Shirley Kelly, 21524 River Rd North, Cordova, IL 61242
River Arts Center, 229 5th Ave. S., Clinton, IA 52732
What’s your fondest memory of Rose?
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Share a story where Rose's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rose you’ll never forget.
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