Rose Chye

Those who knew and loved Rose Chye have so many precious memories that will never be forgotten. The common threads throughout her tapestry of life were her thoughtful words, her selfless deeds and her compassionate spirit, but it was her tender heart that knew no bounds that set her apart from the rest. Rose was a loving wife, devoted mother and proud grandmother and great grandmother, who laced her days with great color and vibrancy. There was no greater joy along her life’s journey than being with her beloved family. Always thinking of others before herself, Rose was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved.

The decade of the 1920s was a drastically changing time within America. Women had just gained the right to vote, and buying on credit was quickly becoming the nation's favorite new discovery. It was in this year that James and Amelia (Dufon) Shereda were pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Rose Amelia, on October 14, 1920. Rose was born on her family’s farm, just south of Free Soil, Michigan. It was here that she and her three brothers, Robert, Jack and Paul, and sister, Lucille, created many unforgettable childhood memories together. By growing up during the depression and prohibition, Rose was tempered by the challenges faced by ordinary folks of that generation. A very bright girl, Rose was a good student in school, and went on to be the salutatorian of her graduating class at Free Soil High School in 1938.

Rose then attended Muskegon School of Business and earned an Associate Degree. She put her education to good use with her first job, working at Continental Motors in Muskegon, where she worked her way up to Executive Secretary. She was so proficient and good at her job, when she decided to leave; the company had to replace her with three people in order to match all the responsibilities she did in a day. Rose’s life had taken an exciting, new direction when she was introduced to a handsome young solider named Joseph through her cousin Ceil, who was dating his brother Peter. And with that, their love story had begun. She was the “girl of his dreams” and he was “the love of her life” when they were happily married on May 6, 1944, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muskegon.

Because Joseph was still in the service, the newlyweds moved to Falmouth, Massachusetts, where he was stationed near Otis Field. Following VJ Day, Joseph was discharged from his service, and the couple returned to civilian life. Joseph worked managing Montgomery Ward stores, which led the couple to move around quite a bit, living in Petoskey, Ann Arbor, Muskegon, Manistee and Ludington. They finally put down roots in 1950 on a small farm just south of Custer, where they grew fruit and vegetables, and raised dairy cattle and other livestock. It was here that Rose and Joseph took great joy in raising their five children together: David, Mary, Theresa, Bill and Dorothy. As parents, they made sure the kids learned responsibility and the value of hard work by pitching in around the farm. When picking time came around, the kids got large tubs and were sent out to pick until it was full. Then, Rose got right to work on canning much of their harvest for future use.

It was easy to see that Rose considered it a joy to care for her husband and children. She was active in the lives of her children and she also created a home where love was plentiful. She loved cooking and baking, and her children fondly remember coming home from school and the table was full of all her delicious baked goods – their favorite being her homemade bread and jams. Rose and her mother-in-law also made wedding cakes together for many years, and then Rose continued on by herself, creatively making countless more beautiful cakes. When not in the kitchen, Rose put her talents to use as a seamstress, making many of the kids’ clothes, and mending things, like stuffed animals. One of her favorite pastimes was making quilts, the old school way with no machines. Her eye for perfection and artistic flair won her quilts a State Championship Award and she also won numerous local awards at the West Michigan Fair. Being a social butterfly, Rose loved spending time with her dear friends from the quilting group at Sugar Ridge Church of the Brethren.

Besides being a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, Rose returned to the workforce in 1966, as Secretary for the Principal and Superintendent of Mason County Eastern Schools in Custer. Once Joseph retired, she followed suit so they could spend their retirement years together. Yet, Rose did not lose touch with her beloved co-workers (or her 2nd family as she saw it) as she met up with them every month for lunch! She always loved bright colors, which everyone said matched her personality, Rose was truly a ray of sunshine for those close enough to receive the gift of her warmth. She never spoke ill of anyone, and always had a kind word to share.

In her leisure time, Rose had a plethora of hobbies and activities she enjoyed. She was a master at crossword puzzles, a skill she happily passed on to her son, David. She was also an animal lover (many strays were saved by her), and a huge bargain hunter, always searching for rare finds at yard sales and flea markets. She enjoyed playing cards, particularly Pinochle, and dabbled in oil painting when the kids were younger. This past summer Rose enjoyed attending her 65th class reunion at Free Soil School with other proud FHS graduates. Also active in her community, Rose served several terms as the Eden Township Treasurer and was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the St. Rose Altar Society. Traveling was also something Rose and Joseph loved to do in their retirement. They took trips to Hawaii and Mexico, and went on several Caribbean cruises. One of their most memorable trips was with their son, David, to visit the Tecumseh drama in Chillicothe, Ohio, where they saw the Indian Mounds, historical sites and watched the play. As proud grandparents, Rose and Joseph attended many of the grandchildren’s school and sport activities too. Sadly, when Joseph’s health began to diminish, Rose was his vigilant caregiver with the help of others until his passing in 2010.

Rose died peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 18, 2014. Besides her husband Joseph, Rose was also preceded in death by her brothers Robert and Jack and a great-grandson - Adam Rader. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law also preceding Rose in death including Lois Shereda, Edna Shereda, Julia and Harry Koniki, Cecelia and Peter Chycinski, Carl Nowak, and Ray Omalski.

Rose will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses David and Janice Chye of Hesperia, Mary and Ted Schoenherr and Theresa and Jerry Bowers all of Custer, Bill and Fran Chye of Fountain, and Dorothy and Rex Ranney of Edmore, 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great, great-grandchildren, her sister Lucille and husband Kenneth Fautley of Manistique, her brother Paul and wife Jaye Shereda of Ludington, her sisters-in-law Helen Nowak, of Manistee, and Stella Shereda of Free Soil, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The Requiem Mass will take place for Rose at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Custer with Rev. Anton Tran as celebrant. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Wednesday from 3 – 5 and 7 – 9 PM at the Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, and Thursday morning from 10 – 11 AM at the church. The Rosary will be prayed for Rose Wednesday evening at 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the West Michigan Fair Association, the Wounded Warriors Project, or Lakeshore Animal Friends.

Please visit Rose’s personal memory page at www.stephensfuneralhome.net to read her complete Life Story, sign her guestbook, or leave a memory of Rose for her family.