Rose Valerya Rittgers was born Feb. 8, 1940, the daughter of Robert and Florence (Strzelecki) Rittgers in Chicago , Ill.
She graduated from Minburn High School in the class of 1957.
On Jan. 19, 1958, she married the love of her life, Richard M. James in rural Perry.
Rose spent nearly her whole life in the Perry and Minburn area. She was a devoted wife, homemaker and mother.
She loved camping with her family from the days of tents, cots and sleeping bags to traveling with Richard in their motor home. As a family they looked forward to camping at the Iowa State Fair in earlier years.
Grandkids were a special part of her life, and she loved spending time with them.
Rose was a member of the Washington Chapel Church of Christ in rural Perry.
Survivors include her three sons, Randy James of West Des Moines, Tim (Donna) James of Perry and Mark (Tammy) James of Minburn; six grandchildren, Ryan (Maria) James, Scott James, Travis James, Kody Casperson, Danielle James and Casie James; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Skyler James; and one brother, Robert (Penny) Rittgers of De Soto.
Preceding Rose in death were her parents; her husband on May 4, 2017; and one brother, John Schnier.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 19 at Elmwood Cemetery in Minburn. Pastor David Weesner will officiate. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 18, with the family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. at Murdock Funeral Home in Perry.
A memorial has been established in Rose’s name and may be left or sent to the funeral home. Rose passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017, at her home in Minburn at the age of 77.
