Rose Gladner

One of Rose’s greatest passions was lovingly preparing meals for her family and friends. It was one of the ways she expressed her love. There is little doubt that today, she is carefully choosing ideal ingredients for her next epicurean endeavor, but she has transitioned to the kitchen of her dreams where now, she’s cooking for the angels.

Rose Clemmons Gladner died peacefully July 30th at the lakeside home she enjoyed with her husband Neal in Hot Springs after battling a punishing illness. She was born to Earl Jr. and Bennye Clemmons 60 years ago in Pine Bluff, AR.

After high school, Rose attended Loyola University in New Orleans, a city she loved until her last breath. She would always say “This place makes me happy” when she saw the city limit sign during many visits.

Rose completed her college studies at UALR, graduating with a degree in English. She could be counted upon to say “That’s not a word” if she heard someone say “irregardless”. It was her pet peeve.

Rose spent much of her career in sales, mostly in print and broadcast advertising. Her clients appreciated her genuine concern for their success.

Rose also delighted in volunteer work, focusing on disaster services for the Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Association after it took her father, Earl. Among her most cherished memories was serving as Co-Chair of the Candlelight Dinner honoring Coach Frank Broyles for his guidance to caregivers of those stricken with the disease.

Beyond cooking, Rose delighted in fashion, travel, fine dining, shopping for bargains, being with friends and time looking at or being on Lake Hamilton.

While planning a trip to Italy, she was overjoyed to learn of many high fashion outlet stores in Milan. She delighted in the bargains she found. But the true highlight of the visit was being touched on the hand by the Pope Benedict XVI during a visit to the Vatican.

Rose discovered a new passion after getting married. Dogs. All of them rescues, she adored Duke, followed by Sam, Josie and Mason. It was difficult for Rose to walk past a dog in public without asking permission to meet it. Her final rescue, Bailey, was near her side when she passed.

Rose is survived by her husband of 23 years, Neal along with step daughters Janet and Megan(Don), brothers Skip (Susan), Neil and sister Jane, along with their children and grand nieces and nephews. She is also survived by in laws Bruce Gladner (Peggy) and Hugh Gladner (Cindy) and their children.

Rose was preceded in death by her father Earl Jr, mother Bennye, grandparents Nonie and Earl Clemmons of Tamo, and Rose Haskins of Pine Bluff and J. Lewis Haskins of Star City and nephew Patrick Clemmons of Little Rock.

The family expresses its appreciation to Rose’s caregivers, especially Tammy and Inette and others from Caring Connections, and the wonderfully caring, supportive souls at Arkansas Hospice/Hot Springs. The friends and neighbors at the family’s Files Landing neighborhood also demonstrated their love and caring over the months, for which Rose’s family is profoundly grateful.

The family will welcome visitors on Monday, August 5th at 10am at St. Mary of the Springs Catholic Church in Hot Springs, followed by the funeral mass at 11am.

There will be a graveside service for family and close friends later that day at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff.

Remembrances would be appreciated to Last Chance Arkansas Rescue at www.lastchancear.org/donate or Red Cross of Greater Arkansas.

Arrangements by Gross Funeral Home of Hot Springs. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.