Rose Marie Zimmer

Rose Marie Zimmer (née Bauer), born October 21, 1935, passed away peacefully at her home in Sun Lakes, Arizona on September 16, 2026, at the age of 90. She was a beautiful, generous, and deeply devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, a woman whose kindness shaped everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Born and raised in Altamont, Illinois, the oldest of nine children on her family’s dairy farm, Rose grew up in a world where you milked your cows, raised your food, and relied on one another. She carried that quiet resilience and humility throughout her life. In high school, she was active and always willing to join in, though never one to seek the spotlight, whether playing the sousaphone in the marching band or serving as assistant editor of the yearbook.

After graduating from Altamont High School, she moved to St. Louis to pursue nursing at St. John’s Mercy Hospital. There, her smile and quick wit caught the attention of Donald Zimmer. It was the beginning of a marriage of 63 years.

Together, Rose and Don raised six children, ensuring each one felt cared for, supported, and encouraged them to succeed. She led by example, quietly providing the work ethic and foundation that helped all six children graduate from college and launch successful careers. Her family remained at the center of her world.

Rose’s nursing career began in surgery and transitioned to oncology, delivering decades of compassionate care. Her philanthropy was equally meaningful. She was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the American Cancer Society and dedicated years to the St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School. As an active member of the Sew-N-Sew Club, she made newborn infant wraps, comfort items, and beautifully embellished dolls, as well as organizing book and toy collections for children in need. She never sought recognition; she simply gave.

An exceptional seamstress, Rose created most of her own clothes, her children's wardrobes, and elaborate Halloween costumes. She began cherished family traditions by sewing intricate Christening gowns for her grandchildren, annual Christmas pajamas, and matching vacation shirts for the entire family. More than just a lifelong hobby, her sewing machine was a vehicle for her quiet generosity.

She and Don traveled the world together, enjoying conventions, cruises, cross-country train trips, and visits to their children scattered across the globe. Whether camping with a pop-up trailer, venturing out on water slides, racing cars, or tasting exotic foods, Rose approached every experience with a sense of adventure, accompanied by grace, gratitude, and her signature calm.

Rose lived by simple codes of kindness, patience, gratitude, and never speaking ill of others. Every day started with coffee and ended with ice cream. She remained a devout Catholic who never missed Sunday Mass, no matter where life took her.

She is survived by her loving children: Beth Carter (Stan), Kathy Halaney, Karl Zimmer (Sarah), Eric Zimmer (Debra), John Zimmer (Jennifer Moore), and Alice Tharenos (Tony); her beloved grandchildren: Brandy, Andrew, Autumn, Jacob, Nathan, Alex, Katie, Tim, Max, and Athena; and her siblings: Betty Lauth, Carol Heilman, Donald Bauer, Ruth Smith, and Linda Garfield.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Zimmer; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Carter and Kasey Zimmer; and her brothers, Paul, Robert, and Ralph Bauer.

Her legacy is one of strength, gentleness, generosity, and unwavering love: a life lived quietly, beautifully, and fully.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 1:00 PM at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, MO.

Celebration Luncheon: Following Mass at Spiro’s Restaurant, 1053 N. Wood Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO.

Interment: Friday, November 27, 2026, at Valley of the Sun Mortuary, Chandler Heights, AZ. Time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rose’s memory to St. Peter Indian Mission Catholic School or the Chris Carter Charity for Life.