Mary Lee Rose, 84, of Russell, died on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at the Russell Regional Hospital.

Mary was born on April 28, 1926 in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of John D. and Lydia (Dietz) Bender.  She grew up and attended school in the Russell area and graduated from Russell High School in the class of 1944.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Grant Rose on December 19, 1945.  From this union they were blessed with three children Steve, Terri and Robin.  Mary worked for Klema’s IGA for 29 years.  She and Grant were longtime members of St. John Lutheran Church of Russell.  For the last 5 years she has enjoyed living at Vintage Place in Russell, where she was affectionately known at the “Queen of Vintage”.  She enjoyed gardening and crocheting but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving family include son Steve Rose and wife Janice of Russell, Terri Van Meter and husband Ed of Webber, Kansas and Robin Kilian and husband Rick of Russell and 6 grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Grant on December 10, 1991 and 3 sisters.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 4, 2011 in the small chapel at St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, February 3, 2011, with family present from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Memorials may be given to Post Rock Family Services and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.