Sharon Rose

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David and her beloved sister, Carolyn Evans.

She is survived by her son, David Rose Jr. and wife Tammi, daughter Jennifer Rose, grandchildren, Trey and Austyn Rose, Walker and Shelby Rose, Mary Rachel Rose Walston, Annelise Rose Walston and Hank Walston. Great grand babies, Magnolia Mae Rose and James Walker Rose. Her siblings, Jimmy Short and Marilyn Taylor. Her nieces and nephews that she spent a lifetime loving as her own, Gene Short, Don and Joy Taylor, Debbie Johnston, Jeff and Kati Evans, Tim and Karen Evans, and Greg and Kelly Evans. Her honorary son, Ron Priest and his wife Billie, Her favorite cousin, Kathy Betts and best friend of nearly 40 years, Susie Littlefield.

Sharon would tell you she had the best parents and sweetest siblings and had a picture perfect childhood in a house on School Street. After graduating from Hot Springs High School, Sharon married David in 1961 and they celebrated Sixty-One years together shortly before his death in 2022. Their first date was at Cooks Ice Cream and their last date was Sonic Ice Cream sundaes.

Sharon attended cosmetology school in the 60s and while never making it an official career she spent many an afternoon doing perms for her family and friends and “fixing hair” like only she knew how.

She was the ultimate homemaker and usually made three home cooked meals a day for her family all the while maintaining the most immaculately clean house you’ve ever seen, that she consistently referred to as “filthy”. She enjoyed decorating her home, making ceramics, David Jr.’s many years of ballgames, shopping, Cardinal and Razorback baseball and watching the Kansas City Chiefs win super bowls. In her later years, she spent her time supporting anything and everything her grandchildren were involved in.

Sharon was always, always available to lend a hand and instilled the importance of charity in her children and grandchildren. We were always reminded that there may be someone who didn’t have enough to eat or a warm jacket, etc. She paid for camp fees, recess popsicles, bought uniforms and coats and sent an extra lunch for countless children throughout the years. She never wanted anyone to suffer. Always watching for someone who may be left out. She was full of compliments and encouragement and the occasional sassy remark to make someone laugh. It is important to add that she was no shrinking violet and had a very clever wit. Most people were both appalled and amused by the things she had to say. This only intensified as she aged.

When her Dad fell ill in 1977 she spent the next two decades tirelessly caring for him and years later, her Mother. Never has there ever been a better example of selflessness than Sharon Rose. Whether it was hosting wedding and baby showers at church and making her famous sheet cakes or driving someone to the health department to get their children treated-she was always the one to call on. She invited people to church and when they came she made sure they felt welcomed and included. There was always someone new coming to her home for supper. Sharon tried to show Christianity through the way she loved others. She knew the Lord and she wanted to be sure you did, too.

When her grandchildren began to arrive in 1992, they became the center of her life and her heart only expanded with the addition of each one. Her biggest prayer was that they all knew Jesus and at press time, I can confirm that that prayer has been answered.

I know every crow thinks theirs is the blackest, but Sharon would argue that her grandchildren really are the best ones and if you ran into her at anytime during the past couple of years, she would show you the newest ginger baby photos on her phone as proof!

We will miss her for the rest of our lives but we know we will see her again and we are so grateful she is finally pain free and in the arms of Jesus. We know Aunt Carolyn and Pawpaw met her at the gates of Heaven.

The family would like to thank CHI nursing staff that cared for her with special emphasis on Angie, Tonia, Nurse Jo and our most favorite Alexis. Arkansas Hospice and the absolutely incredible care she received from nurses Tiffany and Crystal, our social worker Jessica, John Mark our Chaplin, Troy and Dr. James Bridges.

Visitation will be Monday, June 17th from 5-7pm @ Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights St in Hot Springs.

Celebration of Sharon’s life will be Tuesday, June 18th at 1pm @ Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 324 Autumn St, also in Hot Springs.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Instead of sending flowers, please consider doing small acts of kindness in your every day life. Watch for those who are being overlooked and help them. Pay it forward.

The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.