Virginia Rose (Rockey) Howard, a long-time resident of rural Hiawatha, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.
She was born Aug. 3, 1926, to Oliver and Effie (Bollinger) Rockey in Robinson, Kansas.

Rose met her husband Eugene Howard at the movies, and the couple married Oct. 13, 1945 in El Paso, Texas.   Rose and Gene lived in Alaska while he was in the Army and moved back to the family farm in rural Hiawatha where they raised three sons - Gary, Charles and Don - and helped raise their eight grandchildren on the same family farm. Rose worked for several years hanging wallpaper, and she retired from Flair Fold.

Rose loved growing plants. Her home was filled with all kinds of plants, and it was nothing out of the unusual to see her attempt to grow a seedling in her kitchen window. She also enjoyed traveling; she and Gene road their Harley to Alaska and traveled to Scotland. She loved riding motorcycles and was a member of Motor Maids; hosting several Motor Maids events in her home.

Rose was a member of the Travelling TeePees. She spent many winters in their fifth-wheel camper in Brownsville, TX. She, also, enjoyed crafting.
Above all, Rose loved her family. Her children and her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy. She enjoyed hosting her entire family and their friends every year for opening weekend of pheasant season.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband Gene; two sons Charles and Don; daughters-in-law Betty and Terry Howard; both parents, her mother and father-in-law Velma and Hollis Howard; an infant great granddaughter Allie Rose Boothe; and all seven brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her son Gary (Kathy) Howard of Hiawatha; grandchildren Tammy Howard, Charla (Nick) Adcock, Scott (Shelby) Howard, Hollis (Amy) Howard, Pat Howard, Keri (Andy) Bestwick, Robert (Crystal) Howard, Stephanie (Joe) Boothe; 17 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a lifetime’s worth of friends.

A celebration of Rose’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha, with Rev. Andrew Finch officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Monday.  The family will meet with friends one hour prior to service at Church

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Church Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha, 66434.

A special message or note of remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com