Rose Ellen Saathoff passed away on April 30, 2017. Rose was born on July 21, 1939 in Holton, KS to Raymond and Minnie Cummings. On December 22, 1956 Rose was united in marriage to Bennie Lawrence Saathoff, Jr. her loving husband of over 60 years. They had two daughters; Lisa Funk (David) of Mesa, AZ and Lori Saathoff of Lawrence, KS. They had one grandson Jackson (11) who Rose absolutely doted on.
Bennie and Rose raised their children in Hayward, CA until Bennie’s job took them to Atlanta, GA where Rose started an in-home day care. Rose absolutely loved children and quickly became a second grandma to the children she cared for and has kept in touch with them over the years. Once Bennie retired, they returned to Lawrence, KS to be close to their family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her four brothers Felix Cummings, Chuck Cummings, Earl Cummings and Paul Cummings; and her sister Connie Gregg. She is survived by two brothers Gene Cummings (Carol), Ron Cummings; and her two sisters Ruth Ann Sunseri and Cathy Merchant (Charles).
Rose loved life and loved to laugh. Her favorite saying was “You must think positive” and she did her best to make light of every situation. Rose didn’t know a stranger and was a friend to everyone. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Saturday, July 1st at the VFW, 1801 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS 66046.
Rose and I held a special bond, we both took care of children, walked together around the neighborhood, laughed like silly teenagers at goofy things, went to movies, ate at Taco Bell when our husbands were at work.. I missed her when they moved away. Rest In Peace my friend. See you on the other side.
Thank you Rose for loving our children, Rachel and Jared, and being part of our family for so many years. You will always hold a special place in our hearts. Thanks for the memories. Love and strength to your family. ?