Virginia "Jennie" Alice (Butler) Rose

Virginia “Jennie” Alice Butler Rose, 91, of Austin, TX, went to her maker and those that passed before her, after a battle with lymphoma, at her home on January 27, 2022. Jennie, the daughter of Ruby Nixon and Oscar Butler was born in Toledo, Ohio.

Jennie grew up in Toledo and attended DeVilbiss High School. After graduation, she began working at Bell Telephone, rising quickly to supervisor within four years. Looking for more adventure, Jennie enlisted in the Navy in 1952. She met the love of her life, Bill, while both were attending school at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center in Maryland.

Bill’s military career allowed Jennie and their children to travel the world when he was stationed in Japan, Germany, and Scotland. She would research every new duty station prior to their transfer to prepare them for the adventures that awaited. Jennie and Bill moved to Texas in 1974 when Bill retired from the Navy. She quickly found employment at Motorola in Austin where she eventually retired.

Jennie experienced and accomplished many wonderful things. Most importantly, she was an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She and Bill celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary prior to Bill’s passing in 2018. Jennie was strong mentally and physically, surviving breast cancer and skin cancer as well as being by Bill’s side while he battled colon cancer, lymphoma, and heart related issues.

Jennie was a Girl Scout leader during Bill’s time in the military. While living overseas she took classes in pattern drafting, cake decorating, flower arranging, cooking, and excelled at them all. Her family reaped the benefits of her successes in these areas. Her family knew she could do anything she attempted. After retirement, Jennie and Bill enjoyed road tripping – exploring as well as traveling to various ship and high school reunions throughout the United States.

Jennie’s hobbies included reading, sewing, and working out with her friends at the Y in Round Rock. Most of her spare time found her trying to solve the mystery of her family tree. She was an experienced genealogist and spent hours looking for clues to locate family members. Her enthusiasm spilled over to her friends when she helped friends with their search to find their family.

Jennie is survived by her son, Jeffrey Rose Sr (Melinda Cook McDonald), daughter Kathy Rose-Ray (Billy Jordan), sister Dorothy Smith (Carroll), sister Patsy Havenhill (Gary). Also surviving Jennie are her grandchildren Jeffrey Rose Jr, Nathan Rose, Chelsea Ray, and Zach Ray, as well as numerous wonderful nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Hospice Austin – especially, Marilyn and Marlana as well as LuLu with Senior Minded Home Care for their care and compassion. They also want to thank Sheila with the staff at GreenRidge at Buckner Villas. Most of all, they want to thank Jennie’s friends on the 4th floor – especially her next-door neighbor Amanda. She was always quick to help by picking up Jennie’s mail, meals, and newspapers when Jennie was no longer able.

The visitation will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas. Final services and interment will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 10:00 am at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, Texas.