Rosita Rolloda Balagtas

Rosita (Rose) Rolloda Balagtas, of Barling, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 15th, 2016, at the age of 91, in her home. She was born on August 30, 1924 in Rizal, Philippines. Her parents were Eduardo and Modesta Rolloda. She grew up in a loving family with one brother and four sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Juanito Balagtas. Together they had nine children, two of whom died at a young age. In 1980, Rose moved to Arkansas and worked tirelessly to send money back home to the Philippines. She was a housekeeper at Methodist Nursing Home and a nursery worker at Grand Avenue Baptist Church. She was also a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn in Fort Smith for six years where she was awarded Employee of the Year three times. She worked hard, never complained, and always had a smile on her face.

Rose had a strong faith in God and was always very diligent in prayer. She was selfless, kind, and generous. She never complained, even during her final days. She enjoyed good health all of her life and loved to walk every week in the mall. On beautiful days, she loved going to garage sales and visiting the Farmer’s market. But most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family.

Rose was selfless and giving; everything she did was for her family. She worked hard and sacrificed so her children could have the very best. Because of this, her children learned what love was and were able to live a better life. She was often seen at her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s piano recitals, sporting events, weddings, and college graduations. She was so proud of each and every one of them. She spent her life surrounded by her family, even during her final breath. She was the definition of selfless love, and in turn was loved deeply by her friends and family.

She is survived by her seven children: Remy Duvall of Fort Smith, Conrado Balagtas of Barling, Elvie Flores and her husband Jojo of New Jersey, Rudy Balagtas and his wife Imee of Fort Smith, Rolan Balagtas and his wife Myrna of Fort Smith, JR Balagtas and his wife Ella of Barling, and Liberty Neoh and her husband Johnny of Fort Smith. She had 15 grandchildren: Davina Roper and her husband Paul of Fort Smith, Ted Balagtas and his wife Rebekah of Connecticut, Conrad Balagtas of Connecticut, Jay-R., Elijah, and DJ Balagtas of Fort Smith, Jaynee Flores of New Jersey, Charissa Aguilar and her husband Prince of Van Buren, Ephraim Balagtas of Dallas, Aaron Balagtas and his wife Bee of Fayetteville, Gee Aguilar and her husband Jephte of Fort Smith, Junelle Balagtas of Barling, Shaniah Balagtas of Barling, Matthew Neoh of Fayetteville, and Sarah Neoh of Fort Smith. She had 10 great-grandchildren: Sam Roper, Alex Roper, Joshua Balagtas, Cherish Aguilar, Elijah Aguilar, Tatum Balagtas, Alivia Balagtas, Adriel Aguilar, Kyle Aguilar, and Jezrah Aguilar.