Mary A. Rose, 86, passed away at home surrounded by family on August 21, 2025. She worked for many years as a sales clerk at Fran’s Hallmark and was in the Merrillville VFW Post 1563, acting as the assistant vice president of the ladies auxilliary and a poppy chairperson. Mary was an avid Oak Ridge Boys fan since 1978 and she loved taking trips to Shipshewana with her daughter, Theresa, and her sister in law Penny Stengel and niece, Kris Meske.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Theresa (Vic) Barlas, and her children: Benjamin and Nicole (Lukas Navarro); and great grand-dog, Delilah; her daughter, Marilyn S. (James) Keeling, and her children: Joshua (Sarah) Tilden, Jonathan (Jennifer) Tilden, Sarah Keeling Tinkel, Matthew Keeling, Kaitlyn (Rod) Seeley, and James Keeling; cherished great grandkids: Lilly Keeling, Aubrey Tinkel, Alex Tilden, Colton Seeley, Harper Seeley, and Maren Rose Tilden; brother, Lawrence (Kitty) Stengel; and many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

She joins in eternity, her beloved husband, Edward W. Rose; her parents, Elmer and Alice Stengel; brothers; Elmer Jr. Donald, and James; and sisters, Patricia Earle and Katherine Stengel; as well as her in-laws: Robert and Viola Rose, and Evelyn (Tage) Lundmark.

Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Thursday, August 28, at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft St. Merrillville) and again on Friday, August 29 from 11 AM until time of service at Noon, also at the Chapel. In honor of Mary’s spirit and style, please come dressed casually. Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.