Rose Rood

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Rose Rood experienced so many things that greatly enriched her journey, but there was nothing that she treasured more than being surrounded by the family she adored. She had a certain sparkle about her and a contagious zest for life that made her so much fun to be around. Rose was a loving wife and devoted mother who was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She loved life, and she loved to laugh while living each and every moment to the fullest. Life will never be the same without Rose here, but the memories she leaves behind will never be forgotten by all who were blessed to feel her touch.

It seems only fitting that Rose’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the Roaring Twenties when radios brought the world around us within our reach, the Charleston and the jitterbug were among the latest dance crazes, and Walt Disney was becoming a household name. It was primarily a prosperous decade until the historic crash of the stock market in October of 1929 sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Amidst the 1920s was the year 1928 that was a year to remember in the lives of Richard and Mabel (Gasen) Newcomb as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 12th in Boston, Massachusetts. Rose Marie was one of eight children born to her parents, Richard and Mabel (Gasen) Newcomb. She was raised in the family home in Medford, Massachusetts alongside her sisters, Louise, Elizabeth, Marion, Ruth, and Evelyn, and her brothers, David and Roy. In many ways Rose was a typical girl of her generation who enjoyed so many of the things that young girls often do. She also was a student at local schools.

Never one to shy away from doing things her own way, Rose enlisted in the United States Army after graduating from high school during a time when this was a rarity among young women. While serving she became a cook, but it was her personal life that was greatly affected by her decision to serve as it was in the military that she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Arlen Rood, and he was also in the service. Sparks flew right from the start, and the couple soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Rose and Arlen were married on November 1, 1952.

With her military duties fulfilled, Rose settled into her roles as a wife and mother as together she and Arlen were blessed with the births of five children, Arlen II, Helen, Steven, Eric, and John. She fully embraced her role as a mother, and she was there for whatever her children needed. When their children were younger Rose and Arlen were active in the local 4-H, showing horses and sometimes rabbits, too. She greatly enjoyed her time as a 4-H leader. As someone who enjoyed playing cards, Rose often played cards with her children. Later in life this was also an interest that she loved sharing with her grandchildren as there were countless card games played with them through the years. Rose also regularly played horseshoes with her children and grandchildren as her family later grew to include 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Over the years Rose was a woman of many interests. She was a sports fanatic who especially loved baseball. The Tigers and Red Sox were her favorite teams, and she also enjoyed the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots when it came to football. Rose’s favorite hockey teams were the Red Wings and the Bruins. She was amazing at embroidering, and she made a baby blanket for each grandchild and each great-grandchild, too. An avid reader, Rose could get lost between the pages of a Western or spy novel, and she really enjoyed Tom Clancy but her favorite author was Louis L’Amour. She had a huge sweet tooth and never could resist an ice cream sundae.

It was easy to see that Rose loved sharing her life with her loved ones. She and her sister, Marion, were lifelong best friends in addition to being sisters. With a genuine interest in others, Rose was known for her letter writing to keep in touch with friends and loved ones. She also made sure to send everyone a birthday card on their special day.

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Rose Rood was a blessing to those around her. She was private, but she was also approachable, friendly, and gracious with a great sense of humor as well. Rose lived a full life filled with priceless moments shared with her family and friends. She leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

Rose Marie Rood, of Vicksburg, died at her home on October 15, 2014. Rose’s family includes her children, Arlen (Toni) Rood II, Helen (Jim) Raseman, Steven Rood, Eric (Lisa) Rood and John (Mandy) Rood; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marion St. Cyr, Ruth (Ray) Mullins, and Evelyn (Larry) Nissen as well as many nieces and nephews. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Arlen; siblings, Louise, Elizabeth, David & Roy Newcomb Visit with Rose’s family Monday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main Street where a funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Please visit Rose’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her guestbook.