Susanna Rose, 97, of Heaters passed away March 5, 2020, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, after a brief illness.
She was born March 22, 1922, in Corley, a daughter of the late J.M. Rose and Minnie Greathouse Rose. She was the last surviving of 10 siblings, having been preceded in death by sisters Leah R. Bigham, Sarah Ethel Rose, Mary Ellen Ferrell, Ruth Rose, and Margery Anderson, and brothers Charley O., Bernard, Hugh, and Earle Rose.
She received a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State College and did graduate work at Case Western Reserve University. She began her career teaching social studies and science at Leewood Junior High. She then spent two years at Lincoln Junior High teaching English.
In all, her illustrious teaching career spanned 42 years, all but five of which were spent as Librarian at Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston. She retired in 1985 with more years of service in Kanawha County schools than any other county teacher up to that time, having instilled in countless students a deep appreciation of books and love of reading.
After retiring to the family home at Corley, her favorite hobbies were reading (especially children’s books and historical fiction), feeding and befriending deer and other wildlife that frequented her farm, and travelling to visit historic sites. She also thoroughly enjoyed researching the Rose family tree and reaching out to relatives near and far. She was known for her loving spirit, gentle nature, and very compassionate heart.
She had a special love for children and youth, as her nieces and nephews can attest, and taught Sunday School at Titchenal United Methodist Church at Flatwoods for many years where she was an active member.
Susanna is survived by nieces Janice Kay Mester and Sue Anne Spotts, and nephew James M. Rose, grand niece Martha Cooper, and grand nephews Timothy Mester, and L.D. and Scott Simmons, all of whom will forever remember her as their beloved Aunt Sue. She cherished them as they were growing up and their lives are richer for it. They will continue to hold her memory very close to their hearts.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until noon, followed by a memorial service and internment, on Saturday, March 14, at Titchenal United Methodist Church. Friends are invited to join the family afterward at Heaters Methodist Church for dinner. Flowers may be sent to Stockert-Paletti Funeral Home, Heaters.