Ronald L. Rose

Ronald L. Rose, 78, of Cumberland Road, Bedford, died Sunday, March 22, 2015. He passed away peacefully at home, after a lengthy illness, with his family by his side. He was born on May 26, 1936, in Bedford, a son of the late Russell R. and A. Mae (Heming) Rose. On September 17, 1954, in Bedford, he married Mildred “Pug” (Ritchey) Rose, who survives along with children: Sheryl, wife of Dennis Ritchey of Bedford; Joseph, married to the former Charlene Tissue of Bedford; Dianna Valentine of Jacksonville, FL; and Michael, married to the former Bobbie Jo Foor of Bedford; seven grandchildren: Denny, Larissa, David, Joshua, Amanda, Rachael and Rebekah; three great-grandchildren: Ellie, Emerson and Ruby; one brother: Charles S. Rose and wife Joyce of Fairfield; three sisters: Joanne Foreman and husband Bill, Dorothy Duncan and husband Dave, and Phyllis Colvin and husband Tom, all of Bedford; Sister-in-Law: Amelia Rose of Bedford; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger and Edward Rose, and one granddaughter, Brook Ritchey. Ronnie was a lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, and a member of the NRA. He retired from Kennametal in 1997 after 30 years, and enjoyed the monthly retiree breakfasts. He was a farmer at heart, and loved spending time “out the road” at the family farm with his friend Dan McGowan, tending to his cows and cats. He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting deer, turkeys, rabbits and mushrooms. In more recent years, he enjoyed the outdoors by sitting on the front porch. He had a quiet personality, loved to read, and enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 11:00 am, in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford, with Father Donald Dusza, celebrant. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends will be received on Tuesday, from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 pm, at the funeral home, and 1 hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Memorial contributions can be made to the Southern Care Hospice, 1701 12th Ave., Bld. D, Altoona, PA 16602. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.