Rose Smith

One thing that was hard to miss about Rosaline Rose Smith was her spirit of independence. She had a quiet strength that carried her throughout her lifes journey, too. Rose was blessed to spend most of her life with her true companion with whom she experienced so much of what the world has to offer. She built a successful career within the community she called home throughout most of her life, and she never hesitated to share her great sense of humor with those around her. Although she traveled many places, Rosies favorite place to be was wherever she could be surrounded by her friends and family. What a year it was in 1927 with advancements in technology fueling the prosperity of the decade. This was the year in which the first talking motion picture captivated audiences, Charles Lindbergh made the first successful flight across the Atlantic, and the Holland Tunnel connected Manhattan with New Jersey. It was during this same year that the world welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Rosaline. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on August 5th, Rose was the middle of three children in her family, which included siblings Mary Dolly and Charlie. She was raised by her parents, Charles and Rose (Svoboda) Dipley in Muskegon where she attended local schools. After she graduated from Muskegon High School, Rose went to Detroit to live with her Aunt Tillie who was blind. While there, Rose attended school, learning both secretarial and bookkeeping skills that would serve her well in the years to come. After a few years Rose returned to Muskegon where great changes were just around the corner. She got a job working for the City of Muskegon doing clerical work. What was of greater significance during this time, however, was her introduction to the young man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Darrell H. Smith and he had just returned home from WWII and was working at the Norge plant. After dating for a time, the couple was hopelessly in love and was united in marriage on October 3, 1947. The newlyweds settled on the east side of Muskegon where she would remain throughout most of her life. Over the years, Rose built a successful career. She worked her way up while working for the City of Muskegon, eventually becoming the city treasurer. Rose formed the County Treasurers Association, served as president of the State Treasurers Association, and was also a member of the National Treasurers Association. She developed heart problems in her late fifties and retired from her position in 1985. Rose and Darrell shared a loving marriage, enjoyed each others company, and liked many of the same interests. Rose was a music lover who taught herself to play the organ, and she also played the recorder and the ukulele. She and Darrell liked to have all the latest gadgets in the world of audio equipment ranging from reel-to-reel tapes and eight-track tapes followed by cassettes and CDs. Darrell collected H O model trains that often ran from room to room in their home, even delivering cocktails to guests at times. The pair also enjoyed photography for a time and had their own darkroom. Rose and Darrell took classes at the local community college to learn more about new things including computers. They both owned BMW motorcycles and went riding with friends, and they also loved camping, fly fishing, and canoeing. Rose was close with her brother Charlie, and he would often accompany them on fishing trips along with Darrells mother. When both Rose and Darrell retired, they purchased a motor home and spent their summers at the campground at the Soo Locks in the Upper Peninsula. They developed great friendships with many people there, and they often stopped at the casinos along the way. Life changed for Rose when Darrell died in 1999. Although she deeply missed him, she continued on with many of her daily activities. Rose always was a take-charge kind of person whose strong will never allowed life to get the best of her. She remained independent and continued to take annual trips to the Upper Peninsula. Rose also regularly visited friends taking several trips to New Mexico to visit her good friend, Lorraine Sanborn. She became closer to her nieces and nephews, too, spending a lot of time with them over the past 10 years of her life, even taking trips with them. Rose remained active in both the Muskegon Womens Club and Olivet Reformed Church. She was also a major contributor to the Muskegon Community Foundation where she established a music scholarship. Eventually, Rose sold her home and moved into Park Terrace Apartments where she enjoyed playing the washboard in the Kitchen Band. She also attended church services there. Over the past year, Roses health declined, and she moved in with her great-niece, Laura, for more care. Even during the sunset of her life, Aunt Rosie remained strong and in charge until she drew her last breath surrounded by her family. Rosaline Rose Smith was a remarkable woman who made the most of every day she was given. She deeply loved those around her and strived to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Rose was kind, generous, and gracious with a deep love for her family. She was strong and independent throughout her life, and her laughter was a gift she shared with the world. Rose leaves behind countless memories that will be treasured by those who will miss her dearly. Rosaline "Rose" M. Smith died on Monday, April 12, 2010. Roses family includes her nephews, Ben (Lola) Wieten of Grand Haven, Bruce (Sherry) Wieten of White Cloud, Don Wieten of Muskegon, Darrell (Pam) Wieten of Muskegon; sister-in-law, Joyce Erwin of Muskegon; many great nieces & nephews; very special aunt, Tillie Standage; aunt, Margaret Petrick; special friend, Lorraine Sanborn of NM. Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband Darrell in 1999; sister, Dolly; brother Charles and special niece, Denise. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at the chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, with Rev. Ken VanderLaan officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Roses family and friends on Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to the Muskegon Community Foundation-Darrell H. & Rosaline M. Smith Scholarship Fund.