Rose "Rosie" Oelkers unexpectedly passed away, surrounded by her loving family, due to complications from Influenza A and pneumonia. She was 91 years young.

Rose was born on the family farm northwest of Culbertson, Montana, to David Luft and Selma Teitz Luft. She was the fifth daughter to join the family in a crowded two-bedroom log home shared with her parents, sisters, their grandfather, and the country school teacher. Later, the family moved into a larger farmhouse and were joined by four more siblings.

Growing up without running water, an indoor bathroom, or central heating-only a coal-burning furnace and a wood stove for cooking and baking-taught Rose and her siblings to be hearty and humble. Rose often remarked that having to wake up in the middle of the night to bundle up and walk to the outhouse made her appreciate the little things in life. Life on the farm was challenging, and with no modern amenities, Rose learned to adapt and rely on her family. Her close relationship with her siblings is a testament to that resilience. Board games and card games were their main form of entertainment. One of Rose's fondest memories was receiving a new pair of white shoes for Easter, which she proudly wore while sitting in the front row at church. Though time and distance have separated the siblings, they have remained close, and the bond between them continues to be strong.

Rose attended a one-room rural country school for grade school, and in the 5th grade, she began attending school in Culbertson, eventually graduating from high school there. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Stanley Oelkers, in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Hulda, who married Stanley's brother, Marvin Oelkers. In an even more unique twist, Stanley's older brother, Russell, had previously married Rose's sister, Lorraine. So, the Oelkers brothers were married to three Luft sisters, and the two families were forever intertwined in a very special and loving way. In another unexpected turn of events, Rose's sister Hulda passed away just two days before Rose. This loss is deeply mourned by all of us.

Stanley and Rose were blessed with three children: Marilyn, Loren, and Gayle. In 1968, the family moved from Culbertson to Helena for Stanley's full-time work with the Montana Army National Guard. Rose worked a few jobs in Helena but mostly at the Federal Reserve Bank, where she remained until her retirement. Her favorite hobby was baking, and she was an excellent baker. Everyone looked forward to "Grandma Rosie's" cookies, which were always available whenever you stopped by her house. In retirement, she dedicated every Tuesday morning to quilting at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church with a small, but dedicated, group of ladies. Over the years, they donated thousands of quilts to Lutheran missions, and their quilts have been used around the world to bring comfort to those in need. Rose always had a passion for helping others, but she never sought recognition for her volunteer work. She and Stanley enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with family, especially their grandchildren.

Stanley and Rose were married for 49 years until his death in 2002. Rose is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Pauline Waldow, Lorraine Oelkers, Christine (Hekkel) Jensen, and Hulda Oelkers, along with all of their spouses and many of Stanley's 11 siblings.

She is survived by her children Marilyn Murray (Bill), Loren Oelkers (Maureen), and Gayle Woon {Bill); grandchildren Christopher (Lauren) Oelkers, Tyler (T J) (Heather) Oelkers, Erin Oelkers- Mendie (Brett), Julie Murray-Lake (Sean), Marcus McDowell, Chance McDowell, Katie Woon­Eccleston (Andy), and David (Donette) Woon, along with 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great­great-grandson. She is also survived by her brothers LeRoy (Agnes) Luft, Roger Luft, Vernon (Liz) Luft, and her sister Beverly Sundheim; brothers-in-law Ray Oelkers and Donald (Myrna) Oelkers, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

As per Rose's request-because she didn't want anyone to "fuss" over her-there will not be a formal funeral. A small family gathering will be held at the Montana State Veteran's Cemetery at Fort Harrison, where she will be interred alongside her loving husband Stanley.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for the "Quilting Ladies" to help them continue their mission of providing warm blankets to those in need. Checks can be sent to Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church at 3580 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59602. Please indicate that the donation is for "Quilters."

We all feel blessed by the love and support of our wonderful Angel, Rosie. Your quiet and steady presence will forever be etched in our minds and hearts. Though we are saddened by your sudden passing, our grief is eased knowing that you are now forever reunited with Dad in heaven. You gave so much and asked for so little. May your example continue to guide us all. We are forever grateful, and you will be forever loved.