Rose was born the daughter of John and Frances Keller in Detroit, Michigan on October 21st, 1930. She graduated from Denby High School in Detroit, class of 1949. She earned her teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University and later her Masters in Early Childhood Development from Oakland University. Rose married Russell Whitfield on June 21, 1952 at the old First Congregational Church in Royal Oak, Michigan. Rose taught public school and raised her family first in St. Clair Shores, then Warren, and finally settled in Rochester in 1968.
Rose was an active member of First Congregational Church in Royal Oak, teaching Sunday school and serving as Sunday School Director for many years. In her younger days she and Russ enjoyed camping all over the United States with their children. In later years, they became part of the social life of the Rolling Hills Camping Club in Oxford. She always loved traveling and she and Russ saw much of the world with the Nomads traveling club. When Russ passed, she enjoyed taking her older grandchildren on “adventures” that included a cruise in Alaska, a tour of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and a trip to the American Girl store in Chicago. With friends she also visited Ireland and Eastern Europe.
Rose is survived by her four children, Jeff (Cyndi), John (Kallyn), Chris, and Terra (John Moody); and her six grandchildren (Travis, Lauren, Collin, Katie, Philip, and Peter).
Rose is predeceased by her husband, Russell Lee Whitfield, and sister, Maytie Nielsen.
Rose’s family will welcome all to a visitation on Friday January 5, 2023 from 3 - 5 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in downtown Rochester. Rose will lie in state on Saturday January 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, located at 1314 Northwood Boulevard in Royal Oak, Michigan. A luncheon at the church will follow. Interment will be at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:15 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rose’s memory to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) online at www.parkinsonsmi.org or by envelope at Pixley Funeral Home.
Visit www.pixleyfh.com to share memories.
