Benny & Patsy Rosell

Memorial Services for Benny, 84 and Patsy, 76 Rosell, Shawnee, will be 10:30 am, Friday, September 14, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 9:30 to service time.

Benny Rosell Obituary

Benny Tupas Rosell was born on January 17, 1934 in Sindangan, Zamboanga, Philippines. His parents, Eliza and Hilario Rosell, both deceased, were active in Christian ministry. Benny came to the United States in 1952 by ship in order to attend a small Bible college in Stanberry, MO. He then transferred to Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he received his baccalaureate degree in 1956, majoring in Bible Studies. He also attended Wichita State University, majoring in secondary school administration and earning his teaching certification. Benny was honored to become naturalized citizen of the United States in 1968.

He began his teaching career at Florence High School in 1962 and then transferred to Hoxie High School in 1964 where he spent 32 years teaching language arts and coaching forensics and debate, enabling his students to become a state champions numerous years. After retiring, Benny continued to substitute teach as he loved mentoring students. His teaching career culminated with an induction into the Kansas High School Hall of Fame in 2006.

Benny felt God’s call to ministry and became the pastor of the First Christian Church of Hoxie in 1975 and retired in 1998. He continued to preach at various churches and serve as interim pastor for many years.

He was married to Patsy Blain of Cherokee, OK in 1959, celebrating over 58 years of marriage. Pat passed away only 16 hours after Benny on September 9, 2018. They are survived by their children, Yolanda Hargett (Husband Cole) of Olathe, KS and Michael Rosell (Wife Katy) of Lee’s Summit, MO. They have 5 grandchildren ~ Jason, Jonathan & Senna Hargett and Alexandra & Benjamin Rosell.

Other survivors include three sisters, Betty White, St. Joseph, MO, who came to America with Benny, and Elena and Elsie, still in the Philippines, and two brothers, Eddie Rosell, also in the Philippines, and Ernest Rosell of Hackettstown, NJ.

Benny was an avid bass fisherman and spent a great deal of time at local fishing lakes. He also enjoyed working in the yard and gardening.

Pat Rosell Obituary

Patsy Jane Blain was born on November, 18, 1941, in Cherokee, OK. Her parents were Ramona Campbell and Ellsworth Blain, both deceased. Pat graduated from High School in 1959 and promptly moved to Wichita, KS, where she met the love of her life, Benny Rosell, and they married on October 24, 1959, celebrating over 58 years of marriage.

She was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She and Benny had two children: Yolanda Hargett of Olathe, KS and Michael Rosell of Lee’s Summit. They also have five grandchildren: Jason, Jonathan & Senna Hargett and Alexandra & Benjamin Rosell.

Pat worked for several years as a pre-school teacher in Hoxie, KS as well as a home health aide in Salina, KS. She also served tirelessly beside her husband, Benny, supporting him and the church family in any way needed.

A talented painter working primarily with oil paints, Pat created beautiful landscape paintings, including many of local settings where they lived. Pat’s paintings recently won 1st Place and Best in Show in a Lawrence, KS, “Art is Ageless” competition in 2017. She was very passionate about her paintings, considering them her “babies”! Her other “baby” was her dog, “Puffy”, whom she doted on along with numerous stray cats that she and Benny would adopt.

Pat is survived by one brother, Bob Blain of Wichita, KS.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research as this was the disease that ravaged both Benny and Pat’s earthly bodies.

Messages & Condolences

From Dianne and Hugh Cairns- Salina, Ks...

So sorry to find out about the loss of your parents. They were wonderful people and we loved being their friends.

From Bill and Grace Heim...

We were sad to learn of Benny and Pat’s passing. We are thankful to call them our friends. We send our sympathy to the family.

From Paula Pratt...

Yolanda and Mike, sending you my condolences.

From Larry William...

I was a speech student in Benny’s class, approx. 1964, Hoxie, Kansas. I wasn’t the brightest bulb in his class but I very much enjoyed his instruction and learned a lot from him. He was one of my favorite high school teachers. I was in the class of 1965
When I was in the US military I had the opportunity to serve in the Philippines and actually visited one of Benny’s brothers who was working in electronics. That was 50 years ago so I no longer remember if it was Eddie. But one of the brothers might remember a kid from Hoxie, Kansas showing up. When I told him I was from Hoxie, Kansas and knew his brother we had an instance bond. After he got off work we went out for dinner in Manila. Lots of photos were taken and when I returned to the states I was able to meet up with Benny and his wife to share the photos.
Benny shared a special place in my heart and he will be missed.

From Steve and Marian Kosovich...

So sorry to hear of your loss. We knew them well,Benny went fishing with Frank and Margaret, Marian and myself,we would take him to various farm ponds in the area.
I always like to hear Benny preach,always inspiring.
We have one of Pat’s landscape paintings hanging on the wall for many years.

From Steve Mulvenon...

I am so sad to hear this. I knew Benny when he was the debate coach at Hoxie HS and I was coaching at Salina Central. His students were smart, articulate, well prepared and very successful. He was the epitome of a scholar and a gentleman. May he and Patsy rest in peace.

From Ruth Porsch...

Yolanda and Mike – sending you prayers for the peace that joyful memories bring. Your parents were wonderful and will live on in our memories. They touched many lives.

From Bob and Sandy Reed and family...

“Well done, thou good and faithful servants…” Can’t think of anyone who deserves that greeting more. Blessed to have worked and served with them at Hoxie Schools, and Hoxie Christian Church.

From Marion & Madonna Oborny...

I fondly remember getting to know Benny as a fellow debate coach. He was a good friend and Christian example. I know Benny and Pat are with the Lord now+

From Anne Heskett...

Yolanda and Mike, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your parents are two of the finest people I’ve ever know. They touched so many lives! Love and prayers to you and your families.

From Jeff Caldwell...

So sorry to hear about Pat and Benny. Truly wonderful people. I remember Pat being one of my preschool teachers! Benny was an amazing teacher. I wish I’d had him for more than just one year. Both truly lived with grace and are wonderful examples for everyone. Love to the whole family, and here’s hoping your happy memories of them can help you get through this toughest of times.

From Eleanor/ Aunt Eleanor Blain...

Heaven is brighter, now, with two new stars. Pat and Benny were inseparable in their earthly life and are together in Paradise. The life they led was exemplary. The communities they lived in are better for having known and worked with them. They will be welcomed to their heavenly home by Tommy, Jim, Davey Lee, Bill, Dad, Mom and Kenny, and other loved ones. Landy and Michael, you can be very proud of the examples they set for all of us.

Messages are closed.