Debra Ann Rose

Debra Ann Rose, 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away Monday, June 22, 2026 at Stillwater Hospice. She was born on July 9, 1954, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter of the late Bennie V. and Helen I. (White) O'Neal. Debbie was an active member of AMVETS Post 33 and VFW 1421. She served as treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary at both the VFW and AMVETS. Debbie was a devoted mother and wife and spent several years as a homemaker. She took pride in caring for their home, cooking meals for family and friends, driving her daughters to swim lessons, dance classes, and school events. She loved being involved in their education and often volunteered in their classrooms as a room mom and a leader of their Girl Scout troops. Once her girls were both in school, she went to work within the schools so that she could be home with them in the summers. Mrs. Rose worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools for many years as a Teacher’s Aide, assisting children with reading. She had a passion for singing karaoke, watching Law & Order SVU, playing games, and having fun with friends. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and going to their various sporting events. Debbie is survived by her husband of 50 years, James Rose; daughters, Kimberly (Chad) Diehm and Jami (Ryan) O'Shaughnessey; grandchildren, Caden Diehm, Rylynn O'Shaughnessey, Connor Diehm, and Teaghan O'Shaughnessey; brother, Howard (Yonina) O'Neal; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Steven O'Neal; and sister, Sharon Norris. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Debra's name may be made to AMVETS Post 33 and VFW 1421.