Rose Mary Bass Woodruff, age 77, of Riverside/Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on January 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cardiovascular disease.

Born at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Rose Mary was the beloved daughter of Carroll William Bass and Juanita Marie Stanley Bass. Their love and guidance shaped the compassionate, creative, and generous woman she became.

Rose Mary lived a life rich with expression and kindness. A licensed cosmetologist, she used her talents to help others feel confident and cared for. She was also a gifted writer, sharing poetry and short stories that brought comfort, laughter, and reflection to all who read them. Her heart was boundless—she extended her love not only to the people around her but also to the animals who crossed her path, whether wild or abandoned. To Rose Mary, every living thing deserved gentleness.

She was the proud mother of three daughters:

Tracy L. Copeland, April J. McLean, and Toni A. Woodruff.

Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren—Heather, Amber, Matthew, Chase, Arianna, Ariadne, Bobbie, and Becky—and her twelve great‑grandchildren—Ashton, Cora, Khloe, Shyla, Bryce, Charlee, Sage, Bobby, Camden, Dahlia, Lexton, and Amillia—each of whom brought her immeasurable joy.

Cremation was entrusted to Family First Funeral & Cremation Services in Marcellus, Michigan. In keeping with her wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A memorial gathering and shared meal will take place in late spring or early summer, when friends and family can come together to celebrate her life, her stories, and the love she gave so freely.

She will be laid to rest beside her mother at Shanghai Cemetery in Eau Claire, Michigan—a peaceful resting place for a woman whose spirit was gentle, generous, and deeply cherished.

Rose Mary leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and quiet strength. She will be remembered with tenderness by all who knew her.