Rose Colton
April 11, 1938 ~ March 18, 2023
Rose Colton, 84, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on April 11, 1938, to George Meerian and Clara Wolf and raised on a farm near Oakley, Kansas. Rose graduated from Oakley High School, where she was an honor student, in 1956. Rose grew up a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Oakley and was a lifetime member of The Daughters of Isabella. She worked as a secretary at the Law Office of Spencer and Spencer in Oakley, KS. She married Larry Colton on June 1, 1968. They moved to Wichita, KS, in 1970 and were fortunate enough to enjoy their life together for 53 years. After moving to Wichita, Rose worked as a bookkeeper at The Wichita Child Guidance Center until she retired. Rose had a very big heart and was always willing to give her time and energy to children. She made sure all of her nieces and nephews received Christmas presents every year and would never say no to the opportunity to babysit. Rose enjoyed bowling and participated in league play for many years in Oakley and at Rose Bowl West in Wichita.
When it became more difficult for Rose to travel, she was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed to talk. There was rarely a conversation that didn’t include a few good laughs.
Rose is survived by her two daughters, Kelly James and husband Kendal James, Wichita, KS, Lara Colton and partner, Ryan Sanders, Seattle, WA; grandson, Landon James; four sisters, Delores Heinrich, Donita Sparks and husband Ed Milendburger, Joan Hubbard and husband Gary Hubbard, Marietta Heinen and husband Dan Heinen; brother, Gene Meerian and wife, Theresa Meerian. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lawrence Colton; one brother, Roy Meerian, and one sister, Louise Hockersmith. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Downing and Lahey West Mortuary, 10515 W. Maple, Wichita, KS, 67209. There will be a reception following the service at the facility.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beauties and Beasts Animal Rescue, 114 S. Pattie, Wichita, KS 67211.
Funeral Service will be Live Streamed here, at www.dlwichita.com, by clicking "Tribute Wall," then the "Watch Now" button inside of the gold "Live Webcast" box.
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Rose was so thoughtful and giving. My girls were so lucky to be able to know her & love her too. We always loved getting mail from Aunt Rose. While my heart breaks, I know she’s in heaven where she wanted to be. Lots of Love Jackie & Family
She was my loving aunt but more importantly my friend. My life would not have been the same without her. She was always there for me and my daughters and so understanding and supportive in the kind gentle way that l will forever feel in my heart.
Rose,
A famous leader once said that most people will “forget what you said to them” and perhaps some may even “forget what you did for them,” but people will “never forget how you made them feel.” Rose, you made people feel very special.
What a wonderful lady you were. Your kind heart and caring soul brightened up the room.
I have nothing but great memories of you and your family at the farm.
I thank you for being my Godmother.
I thank you for being my Aunt.
I thank you everything you did for me.
I thank you for simply just being you.
Rest in Peace and say Hi to Grandpa and Grandma.
Love,
Brad
To the Family of Rose,
I did not know Rose but I do know her sister, Marietta and if she is anything like Marietta, she was truly a beautiful and loving person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family.
Keith and Lorraine Eggen