Rose Yates-Ellis

Rose was born on June 13, 1951 to Tom and Bernie Yates. She grew up with a love for learning and the arts. She played violin in the orchestra at DuPont Manual High School and later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisville.

Rose was an artist at heart and enjoyed creating in many forms. She was a skilled seamstress who made clothing and special items for herself, her friends, and members of the community. She also created beautiful artwork that she loved making and sharing with others.

Most recently, Rose worked as a substitute teacher at Southern High School, where she cared deeply for her students and supported the school’s athletic programs. She especially enjoyed attending football games and shared that love of the sport with many throughout her life. She was often the loudest one cheering in the stands.

Her faith grew from her early years at Harmony Baptist Church and remained a steady part of her life. In her later years, she attended Mass at St. Gabriel, where she found comfort and community. Rose treasured time spent with loved ones and enjoyed traveling; she was especially grateful to fulfill her lifelong dream of visiting Paris just last month.

Rose’s greatest joy came from her family. She took pride in being a mother to her five sons—Kevin Davis (Betsy), Keith Davis, Joseph Gatewood, Joshua Gatewood (Sarah), and John Gatewood (Erica)—and she deeply loved the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Aaron Ellis, Ret. U.S. Air Force. She is survived by her sister, Delores Wilkins; her five sons; 14 grandchildren, Jamie, Jordan, Michaela, Andrew, Joseph, Mason, Juliana, Eva, Zoe, Addison, Alyssa, Blake, Jonathan, & Catherine; and 3 great-grandchildren, Jesse, Jinger, and Ava.

She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, located at 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky, 40218.

The funeral service will follow on the same day at 2:00 pm at the funeral home.