Rosalie Stephens

Rosalie Ann Stephens, 86, of Niles passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2019 in Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.

Rosalie was born on March 27, 1933 in Niles to the late Cleon and Madeline (True) Knapp.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John ‘Jack’ Stephens, her sons; John and Jerry, a granddaughter Amy and several brothers and sisters.

On June 13, 1949, Rosalie married John L. Stephens who passed away on June 24, 1993.

She is survived by her children; Margaret ‘Peggy’ (Tim) Rhodes of Niles, Jim (Linda) Stephens of Elkhart, Joe Stephens of Niles, grandchildren; Sarah and Dylan, great grandchildren; Cody, Kailie, Brianna, Zachary and Michelle, her sisters; Mildred, Carol and Eileen; brothers; Keith, Vernon, Gerald, James, Charles and Richard and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

Rosalie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Rosalie loved the holidays.  It was important for her to celebrate each holiday with her family.  One holiday was her favorite, Christmas.  Rosalie didn’t just embrace the Spirit of Christmas, she embodied it.  She was known as the Barron Lake Mrs. Claus.   Anyone who knew her or drove by her house could see the elaborate Christmas decorations she loved to display.

After Christmas, in the Spring, she would plant flowers, tend to her vegetable garden and spend many hours outside (barefoot) working in her yard.

Rosalie also enjoyed reading, watching movies, listening to music, working cross word puzzles, mushroom hunting and camping.

Visitation for Rosalie will be on Friday, December 27, 2019 from 11 am to noon at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.  A funeral service will begin at noon on Friday.  Burial will follow.

The family would like to thank Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in Niles and the Hanson Hospice Center for the exceptional care they provided to Rosalie.

Memorials in Rosalie’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences to the family may be made a www.halbritterwickens.com