Rosa Lee, born September 4, 1950, in Battle Creek, passed peacefully from this life after spending her final days at Cherry Hill Manor and her final hours at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was a graduate of Homer High School, class of 1968.

One of nine siblings, Rose grew up learning the value of family, resilience, and finding joy in life’s simple moments — qualities she carried with her throughout her life.

Rose was a woman whose joy, faith, and love for people left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was funny, deeply godly, and delightfully full of life — the kind of person who could turn an ordinary walk into an adventure and a simple stick into the beginning of a grand story.

Rose had a gift for seeing beauty in the smallest things. Whether it was the sound of rain, the wind through the trees, a rock from the beach, or a quiet drive through the countryside, she found reasons to worship God and marvel at His creation. Her imagination and childlike wonder made life brighter for those around her. Children especially adored her playful spirit and humor, and she never lost her ability to laugh alongside them.

Known for her signature hats, hiking stick, and warm greetings, Rose was friendly wherever she went. Living in a ten-story apartment building, she treated every neighbor like family, always stopping to ask, “How’s it going? How you been? Are you enjoying this beautiful day?” Even in hospice care, she continued spreading joy and kindness to everyone who entered her home. On the day she left her home, for the final time, as a friend stood nearby saying goodbye, Rose simply lifted her hand and said clearly, “Later!” She never liked the word goodbye because she believed that for those who know the Lord, it is always “see you later.”

Rose was a devoted mother who raised her son and daughter as a single parent with strength, wisdom, and determination. She taught them responsibility from an early age and encouraged confidence, independence, and faith in God. She deeply loved her children and grandchildren, even if they were far away. Her grandchildren especially remember the joy of eating ice cream straight from the carton at Grandma’s house and listening to her stories.

Her love for family often centered around the outdoors. Rose loved fishing, the beach, horses, and anything involving the water. She spent countless weekends and summer nights fishing with her children on Florida piers and teaching them to swim and explore the underwater world. To her, every blessing — no matter how small — was evidence of God’s goodness.

Rose dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a hospice nurse. She was especially proud to graduate from Kellogg Community College as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and she spent years serving in nursing homes, hospitals, and private care. Her greatest passion was caring for handicapped children, the elderly, and those nearing the end of life. She had a unique ability to make vulnerable people feel dignified, loved, and seen.

Her faith was central to everything she did. At Emmett Street Missionary Church (Battle Creek), Rose faithfully helped run the food pantry, taught a class for mentally handicapped adults, and served in the church bus ministry, filling bus rides with songs and laughter as she taught children about God. She was passionate about seeing others come to know Christ and rejoiced that her own children were raising their families in the Lord.

Rose was also very proud of her Native American Indian heritage. She was honored to be a Saponi Indian and was a carded member of the Salyersville Indian Community. She has documented descent directly to John Charles Cole (1760) and Wallis Cole (1846). Her people migrated to Michigan from Salyersville, KY to work in the Mucklands of Michigan. Rose carried deep respect for her heritage and often shared stories, traditions, and appreciation for God’s creation that reflected that pride. https://www.bia.gov/sites/default/files/media_document/410_govdoc_2025-05-11_0.pdf

Rose also had a lifelong love of horses. In her younger years she owned a horse farm, trained horses, repaired leather tack, and spoke often and fondly of those days. She enjoyed simple pleasures: a cheap burger, a good cup of coffee, old television shows, cooking at the stove, scenic drives, and making her famous goulash or fried eggs and toast.

Above all, Rose lived a life of gratitude. She taught those around her that happiness is not found in possessions but in faith, love, and appreciation for life’s simple gifts.

Rose was preceded by her parents Goldie (Blair) and Albert Marshall, who lived on T Drive S. in Homer, MI. They had 9 children in order.

1. Adis “Bud” (Barb) Marshall (passed)

2. Ethel Barnett (passed) (passed)

3. Cletus Marshall (passed)

4. Hazel Barnett (twin)

5. Mornie Porter (twin-passed)

6. Coralee “Candy”

7. Albert Jr. (Marge) Marshall (Jr.recently passed away on 4/6/26. Just 22 days from Rose. They were always close as kids and now they are close again. We send our condolences.)

8. Rosalee Skolnick (passed)

9. Chris Zuver

Their memory and place in our family history continue to be cherished and remembered.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Goldie Cayetana (Siller) VanZandt; son-in-law Bill VanZandt; and granddaughter Catori Rose VanZandt (“Tori”). Catori is a Hopi name that means “Spirit” given to her by her birth Mother. She was also given an Indian name by Rose: “Spirit Flower”. Rose is also survived by her son, Joshua John Siller; daughter-in-law Kristen Siller; and grandchildren Hunter, Allie, and Hannah. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren and grateful to see them putting Christ first in their homes and lives. Both Rose’s kids and grandkids are also Saponi Indian and carded members of the SIC.

If Rose could leave one final message behind, it would be this: Rose wants to see you again someday! And to see her again, she would tell you to know her Savior — to reach out to the Lord, because He will reach back. “All who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13)

A celebration of Rose’s life will be held at Family Bible Church at a later date.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until that joyful reunion day.