It is with gratitude for a beautifully lived life, and with sadness in our hearts, that the family of Rose Ross announces her gentle passing on October 22, 2025.

Rose is survived by her daughters, Dolores (Albert),  Karen (Vince) and daughter-in-law Rachel.  Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: Carla (Ray), Ryan (Adam), Callen, Regan (Ryan), Jody (Joe), Jessica (Jonathan), Jarret (Shelby), Justin, Tamara (Alvin), Samantha (Keaton), Brianna and Rowen, Tanya (Robert), Kevin (Tara), Ethan, Branden, Myles, Janene (Ryan), Aiden and Dylan, Jacealene and Kiea. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, and so many friends. 

Rose was predeceased by her husband Clayton, son Kenneth, son-in-law John and special friend Claire. Her parents George and Arminnie, stepfather Bill, grandparents, Leocadie (Lucy) and Romeo and her siblings, Lucy, Marguerite, Hank, Blanche, Yvonne and Donna.

The most perfect description of Rose is grace.  She was kind and sweet, always ready with her homemade cookies and a cup of Red Rose tea for guests.  She was an avid card and board game player, and very rarely lost a game. She was well known for her artistry with crafting and sewing, and anyone who has a quilt made by Grandma Rose knows the quality of the sewing, the double quilt batting inside to ensure that the owner of the quilt stayed warm, and the story of the fabric.  Grandma often used pieces of her family’s clothing to create the quilts, and she could tell the story of every panel on the quilt.

When asked about her life, Rose would always say “I’ve been so lucky, I’ve lived the best life.”  She truly did have an incredible life.  Born in 1925, she lived through the horse and buggy era, lived during the world wars, rode her horses everywhere she went, rode in Model T cars, and lived to see the advent of technology.  She thought cell phones were ridiculous, taking attention away from the now and the people you were with.  Sitting with Rose and hearing her stories, going over photo albums, and reading old letters showed her incredible life, collected and saved with love and sentiment.  It was as if she knew how precious the legacy left behind truly was. 

Rose Philomene Plante was born on February 24, 1925 to Arminnie and George Plante. Rose’s father George passed away shortly thereafter.  Rose’s mother Min was running the farm and raising 4 small children, Lucy, Margaurite, Hank and baby Rose.  Rose went to stay with her grandparents Leocadie (Lucy) and Romeo as Min needed to farm and keep the income flowing. Rose was extremely close to her grandparents and spoke about them often, displaying a photo of them in her home.  She told stories about how her grandmother would create needlepoint tapestries on burlap sacks, and sold them at market – they were much sought after.  She also talked about how she travelled to an indigenous celebration as a child, and was so surprised to learn her Grandfather spoke Cree after they encountered some indigenous families travelling to the same celebration.  She loved sharing this story and her surprise that her Grandpa could speak a different language.

Min got married to Bill Blanchard, and they had three children, Blanche, Yvonne and Donna.  The siblings were all very close, and remained so throughout their lives, having reunions, adventures and holidays together.  As Rose grew up, she met a dashing young man, Clayton Ross, when he came to the area to work the farm.  They were married on October 19, 1944.  They had three children together, Ken, Dolores, and Karen. Clayton and Rose moved to Ryley, Alberta and stayed in the Ryley and Tofield area for the rest of their lives.  Rose worked at the Tofield Hospital in housekeeping, where she brightened the days of patients as she visited their rooms.  She also created many lifelong friendships, including forging a deep bond with her daughter-in-law, Rachel while they worked together, which lasted her entire life.   Rose and Clayton also farmed for many years, and it wasn’t unusual for her to have Ken in the saddle as she chased cows. 

Rose was extremely close with her children, even living next door to her daughter Karen.  There were many visits between Karen, her husband John, and son Myles.  The doors were always open, the coffee always on. Rose often had baking, canning and sewing days with her daughter Dolores, and visiting with Albert.  She loved sharing her knowledge and passing it down. Rose spent a lot of time with Ken and Rachel, visiting their house in Tofield, and then spending time at the Ross farm, where she lived as a young wife and mother, now belonging to her son Ken and daughter-in-law Rachel.

After retiring, Rose and Clayton had a small business selling propane.  It wasn’t unusual for Rose to invite a customer in for tea, or even feed them dinner. Rose and Clayton added an addition onto their home, a giant kitchen and bedroom.  The kitchen was the perfect place for all of us to gather for coffee, baking and conversation.  The grandchildren thought the house was sooo fancy, especially with Grandma’s chandelier in the living room.  Rose and Clayton bought an old school bus and spent a lot of time travelling and adventuring in the bus, taking family on little day trips to museums and on camping trips.  They also had a truck and camper that they loved to adventure in.  They enjoyed their adventures until Clayton’s passing in 1988.

Rose remained in Tofield until 1997, when she sold her acreage and moved back to Ryley to an apartment.  Eventually, Rose bought herself a little home in Ryley, which she fixed up, planted a plentiful garden, and opened the doors to welcome company.  Rose eventually moved back to Tofield, living in an apartment in the same building as Karen. At 99, Rose moved to long term care, which was a big adjustment.  Having her family visiting daily helped to keep Rose at ease with the change.  The staff were incredibly kind and loving to Rose, for which her family is very grateful. Rose loved her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  Having a sleepover at Grandma’s house was as exciting as Christmas.  Getting to bake with her was an occasion for celebration – Grandma’s baking days hold the best memories. Sitting with her and playing cards, sipping tea and eating her cookies was a ritual treasured by all of her grandkids.  Learning to sew with her, and making a quilt together was a great adventure.

Rose loved horses, all animals really.  She often spoke of her special horse, Babe, and of their adventures together.  Rose had dogs when she lived in Tofield, Teddy and Goldie. Rose also loved crocuses, which grew plentiful on the farm.  Ken would pick her a bouquet of spring crocuses every year.  After his passing, her grandkids would bring her crocuses to brighten her spring. 

Rose had a special friendship with Claire Nordstrom, and he became Grandpa Claire to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Rose treasured his beloved truck, old Blue and she was very proud of that and loved having a ride in the truck. 

Rose was a bright light in our world, and she will be deeply mourned and missed.  We, her family, are so grateful to have had all of this time with her.  We have all learned about grace, kindness, having a giving heart, and always sharing what we have and what we are from her.

We welcome sharing of your memories to help us in our grief, and to celebrate a truly extraordinary woman.

100 years was not enough.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church (5204-50 St.) in Ryley, Alberta. Interment to follow at Ryley cemetery.

Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.