| Notes |
- Billings Gazette, Montana, November 16, 2004
Rose J. Bass
Rose J. Bass, 80, died on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
Rose was born the daughter of Ole Julius and Emma (Martinson) Eliason, Feb. 29, 1924, on the family homestead in Coulee, N.D. She was raised on the family farm, graduating from high school in nearby Kenmare, N.D. Rose went on to graduate from Minot State Teacher's College and taught kindergarten and elementary school throughout her life in North Dakota, Montana, Nevada and California.
On April 29, 1945, Rose was united in marriage to LaVerne Fred Bass at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Kenmare. They initially lived in Astoria, Ore., where Vern was a naval aviation instructor and Rose worked as a secretary. After Vern's discharge, they owned and operated their own Coast to Coast store in Kenmare for seven years. Their three sons were born in Kenmare and their daughter was born shortly thereafter in Williston, N.D. While in Williston, Rose worked as a substitute teacher and assisted in her husband's businesses. In Glasgow, she operated her own kindergarten in the family home. Rose also managed the family's rental properties in Montana and North Dakota.
Vern worked in government service and Rose accompanied him to Europe during that time. The family traveled extensively throughout all of Europe for five years. Following their adventures, Vern retired in Elizabethtown, Ky. During those 22 years Rose purchased and managed many rental properties there. Also during this period, Rose took on the responsibility of raising her grandson, Tony. She continued to be involved in many activities in her church, as a member of the Homemaker's Club and in her sorority.
Rose's life was centered on her faith in Jesus Christ and raising her family in the Lutheran faith and its traditions. Rose loved her four children; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was a beloved wife and mother.
Rose is survived by sons, LaVerne F. (Cheryl) Bass Jr., Thomas P. Bass, both of Billings, and Bruce J. (Meredith) Bass of Richmond, Va.; daughter Nancy Rose Eaton of Las Vegas; and two sisters, Eleanor Lehne of Bismarck, N.D., and Fern Hilstad of Circle. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vern; two brothers; two sisters and three infant brothers.
Funeral services for Rose will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Peace Lutheran Church with interment in Mountview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 17, and 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday.
Memorials may be made in her name to Peace Lutheran Church for Christian Education, 1301 Ave. D, Billings, MT 59102; or Meals on Wheels, 1309 16th St. West, Billings, MT 59102.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1924 - 2004 (80 years)