Rose DePew

(From Vigen Memorial Funeral Home, Keokuk, Iowa)

Rose Marie DePew, 90 of Carthage, Missouri, formerly of Keokuk, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024.

She was born Dec. 3, 1933, in Sweet Home, Oregon, the daughter of Anthony G. and Addie Eva King Mork. Rose graduated from Ukiah High School in Ukiah, California with the class of 1951.

Rose was united in marriage to Claude Ambrose Leggett in 1952. To this union five children were born. They later divorced. On Dec. 23, 1983, Rose was united in marriage to Scott DePew in Sioux City. He survives.

Other survivors include two daughters, Linda Marie Parrish of Iowa City, and Claudia Joan Warren of Ohio, one son, Carl Leggett of Spencer, 12 grandchildren, Tori Kenel, Angela Merriss, Logan Parrish, Michael Wuan, Kyle Wuan, Heather Oswald, Ashley Leggett, Amy Leggett, Josh Leggett, Andrea Leggett, Angela Leggett and Melissa Fields and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Ralph Mork (Janet) of Phoenix, Arizona and Larry Mork of Round Mount, California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, James Leggett, one daughter, Marla Leggett Fields, one sister, Eva Mork and one granddaughter, Beth McGregor.

In her younger years, Rose had been employed by L.J. Denmire as a contract farmer and surveyor. She later was the manager at Joann Fabrics and then worked in Human Resources at Kmart. She had worked for Heartland Fundraisers and organized fundraisers for schools. Lastly, Rose was employed by the Keokuk Community School District as a bus driver, a position she held until her retirement.

Rose was a member of First Baptist Church in Keokuk and had served as a Deaconess. She was also a member of Eastern Star E.C. Blackman Chapter #306 for over 60 years and had served as a Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter.

She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and was one of their biggest supporters. She enjoyed going for motorcycle rides and had her own 1945 Harley Davidson. Rose loved airplanes and flying and attended air shows and museums every chance she got.nShe liked all types of music, square dancing, and lighthouses. She was athletic and competitive and played on several softball teams. Additionally, she was a talented bowler and her team won the state championship. Rose also coached many Little League Teams through the years.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Reverend John Simpson and Reverend Amy Jewel officiating. Burial will be in the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time. An Eastern Star Service will be held at 1 p.m. at the start of visitation.

Memorials may be made to the Autism Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com