ROSE (POLLAT) VANCLEAVE
June 27, 1928–Jan. 14, 2019
Rose (Pollat) VanCleave, 90, passed away peacefully in Rapid City, S.D., on Jan. 14, 2019, with her loving family by her side.
Rose was born on June 27, 1928, to Frank and Anna Pollat in Newcastle, Wyo. Rose was one of nine children, so needless to say, there are many stories of all the adventures they had together growing up on the family ranch outside of Newcastle.
In May of 1980, Rose married the love of her life, Junior VanCleave. For the next 31 years they embarked on many adventures. They both shared a love for travel, and they visited family often from all over the United States. Their favorite place they visited was the Oregon Coast, which they decided to make their home for many years.
Rose had a passion for finding treasures at garage sales and thrift stores, especially old glass full of beautiful colors. She shared this passion with her family members and taught each of them how to find treasures of their own.
Rose loved to have visitors, and everyone who came through her door was welcomed with open arms, a big smile, and usually a home-cooked meal. Rose’s zest for life was contagious to all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
Rose is survived by her daughter, Donna (Maynard) Baker Rome; son, Charles Julius; daughters, Melody McCalla and Melissa Ward; son, Casey Ward; step-son, Carroll VanCleave; sister, Carol (Virgil) Cullum; grandchildren, Cindie (Luke) Vaughn, Chris Baker, Bub Fleetwood, Ami (Aaron) Davis, Mona (Dennis) Corr, Shauna Carter, and Brian (Heather) Ward; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Junior; brothers, Max, Wayne, Dean, Paul, LaVerne, and Melvin; sister, Helen; son, David Julius; step-daughter, Connie Rossitter; and grandson, Chuck Baker.
A celebration of life will be at the Weston County Senior Services Center on Saturday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m.
In honor of Rose’s love for animals, memorial donations can be made to the Newcastle Humane Society.
Friends and family may sign Rose’s online guestbook and leave written condolences for the family at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.