Born Roberta Rosalie Ramsey, in Augusta, Wisconsin, she was named after her favorite grandfather but was known as Rose to all who loved her. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Rose embarked on a 33-year career as a reading specialist with L’Anse Creuse Public Schools in Michigan, where she was instrumental in developing an early childhood reading program. She obtained her PhD in Reading Education from Oakland University and relocated to Texas for her second career as Director of Marketing for Harcourt Brace Jovanovich and, later, Pearson. Rose’s expertise played a key role in assisting the State of Massachusetts in implementing President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, which became a model for other states to follow.
Rose was curious about the world and passionate about travel. She and her husband, Don, visited countries on six continents. The friendships she and Don made, at the Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, sailing the seas on a cruise ship, or in side-by-side safari tents, lasted a lifetime. She remained a proud Badger to the end.
Rose is survived by her children, Jennifer Jordan, Sheila (Don) Welsch, and Steven (Kim) Jordan; by her grandchildren, Graeme (Cat) Sprague, Christopher Jordan, Ramsey Jordan, Kailen Jordan, and Sidney Jordan; her great-granddaughter, Hannah Sprague; her siblings Reba Fisher nee Ramsey, Mary Bradbury nee Ramsey, and Oliver (Sue) Ramsey; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving parents John and Sylvia, and by Don, her devoted husband of 62 years.
Visitation for Rose will be held on Saturday, October 11 2025 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Rose’s love of reading may be made to the Michigan Reading Association.
