Missy Rosson, 86, Lawrence, died August 31, 2017, at home. She was born October 24, 1930, in Dallas, TX, graduated from the Hockaday School, Dallas, and attended two and a half years at the University of Texas at Austin. She dropped out of UT to marry, a marriage that lasted over 66 years until her death. She spent the first years of her marriage with her husband in the Air Force and later in graduate school, and arrived in Lawrence with her family in the fall of 1957. Not receiving a degree did not deter her education. She worked for a number of years as a rare books library assistant at Spencer Library, and in the KU Graduate School office. A dear friend wrote in his letter of condolence: “If there was anyone on the planet even remotely like Missy, I missed them on my way through my 70 years. She was unique. I am privileged to have known her and most relieved that I never got in trouble with her. I have faced many things in life, and I probably would have preferred to be on the bad side of a bear than on the bad side of Missy.”
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diana Laird, and is survived by her husband Harold, two sons, Richard (Pacifica, CA) and Brian (Houston, TX) and her granddaughter Larissa Laird (Lawrence).
Her ashes will be scattered in Portage Lake, MI, where she had a lifetime of happy summers.
For those who wish, memorial contributions are suggested to be sent to Douglas County VNA, 200 Maine Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Harold:
I very much liked the obit. It was sassy like its subject.
I know you will miss her terribly, but there is surely some relief for you after so many years of intense careriving.
And I lLOVE the idea of scattering her ashes at Portage Lake. She would also approve.
A truly unique person indeed, and a true survivor if ever I have known one. I am so grateful for the visit that my brother Steve and I were able to have with both Missy and Harold last spring, and for having had our strong connection in my life since my mother Posie’s untimely passing over 25 years ago now. While it will be difficult for me, I am also very grateful to be able to join Harold, Richard and Brian up at Portage Lake to scatter Missy’s ashes, where she will join her sister Posie. My sincere condolences to all of the Rosson/Potts family.
We were so sorry to hear about Missy’s passing. I know you will cherish the many years you had together. I remember some fun times at my dad’s lake house with your family! I appreciated Missy’s dry sense of humor and frankness! We will be praying for you all as you grieve the loss of your wonderful wife and mother. Love to all.
Dear Richard,
I am so sorry to learn of Missy’s passing. I am glad I had the chance to meet her and your dad so many years ago, thank you for bringing me “home to dinner” with your folks that time. I still make the dish that she served that night, she later gave me the recipe, I always call it “Missy’s Stew.” I hope that you are doing well in California, it has been a long time since we corresponded. I wanted you to know that I remembered your mother fondly, and that I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Missy family soo sorry for your lost
She was so sweet lady I’ll miss her