Rose Ellen Neuhaus, 64, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Sunday afternoon, January 19th, in the loving care of her husband and daughters.
Rosy was the eighth of eleven children born to Gerald and Rose Lee Van Mol in Kansas City, Kansas. Rosy attended Sacred Heart Elementary (later named Our Lady of Unity), Argentine Middle School, and JC Harmon High School, where she took every arts class available to her, working in fibers, photography, clay, and metal.
Growing up, Rosy spent countless hours collecting leaves, rocks, seed pods, and other treasures on long walks through fields and woods. She was captivated by the changing seasons, colors, forms, and movement of nature. Fascinated by the malleability and strength of metals, Rosy chose that as her focus for studies in college and moved to Lawrence, Kansas, to study metalsmithing and silversmithing at the University of Kansas.
After Rosy and Pete married and their household filled with family, she scaled her art to fit and focused on beading, creating jewelry to compliment a person’s mood and enhance their day, rather than their clothing, by focusing on the sound and feel of each piece.
Rosy’s love of nature and artistic talent infused her world and that of everyone lucky enough to be in her circle. She shared a love of gardening with Pete, and together they developed a magical garden where they hosted many Spring Flings for extended family. Rosy created a world of beauty, both to fill her home and to share freely with family and friends. Rosy built several dear friendships that she nurtured through decades of life’s celebrations and challenges.
Rosy’s nurturing personality guided her work life, helping many children flourish in their early childhood years in her home daycare and also in a small business daycare center. She later transitioned to working with school children, and then to adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. She spent her days caring for others and has left us all with a shining example of how to make the world around us a little better every day.
Rosy was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald & Rose Lee Van Mol, her brother, Bob Van Mol, and her son, Jake Neuhaus. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Pete, her daughters, Tamara, Amelia, and Becca, and her many siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be 10 am, Friday, January 24, 2025, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Thursday, with Rosary to follow at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lawrence Humane Society .
Or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Pete, we are so saddened to hear this and so sorry for this grief. As your neighbor for many years I saw your family blossom. I saw you work together and raise your kids. I saw the love and caring you all had for one another. I can’t put of all the kind thoughts in this message. We are blessed to have known Rosey. She is truly missed.
I will remember Rosy when she brought the girls to preschool at the Lawrence Arts Center. Always with a smile and a positive outlook. More recently we reconnected while doing physical therapy. Rosy was a ray of sunshine and will be missed. Thinking of your family with sincere sympathy.
Pete and family, so sorry to hear of Rose’s passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura & John Broers
Rose was always a bright spot on my schedule of patients. She had the best smile and laugh. She loved sharing about her family and I know you will miss her greatly. My heart and prayers go out to you.
Sending the family thoughts of comfort and love during this difficult time. Rosy was Kaleeas best and only care giver, and I am forever grateful to her and her kindness to my daughter. I hope this tragic loss brings love and strength to the family to get through this difficult time. Such a heartbreaking loss for the most wonderful family. My deepest condolences & sympathy to you all.
Our Dear Neuhaus Family. I am so sorry to learn this terrible news. Please know that you are all surrounded by the Love of those who know you. Bil
Pete, I am so sorry to read about Rose’s passing. I remember doing your taxes for a number of years. I am now out here in Olympia Washington where my daughter and family live. Rose was as very special person!!!
Pete and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. She is too young to have lost her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pete and girls, i am so sad to read this. Thinking of you at this very sad time. Hugs!