Ann Mary Rose, aged 83, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Maggie's Place in Overland Park, Kansas. Born on May 3, 1941, in Bushy, England, Ann was the eldest of four children to Norman and Winifred (Winnie) (French) Green. Her early years in England were filled with a zest for life, she loved the boys, English pubs, seafood and the ocean. Above all, she held a deep admiration for the Queen of England and the British Monarchy.
In 1961 at the tender age of 20, Ann's life took an unexpected turn when she met Lyle "Bob" Rose, a dashing young man the love of her life, while he was stationed in England with the United States Air Force. Their connection was immediate and profound, leading to their marriage on November 26, 1961. Ann embarked on a journey with Lyle by, moving to the United States of all places the Kansas City area, where they built a life filled with love, companionship, bickering between the two of them, gambling and free breakfast buffets and steak dinners at the Argosy until Lyle's passing on April 27, 2021.
Ann’s career as a hairdresser was not just a profession but a passion that defined much of her life. After completing her schooling in England, she opened up her own shop in the 1970's. She then continued on to work at Classy Styles, and Shear Impressions, and several others where she eventually retired in 2023. Ann's clients were more than just customers; they often became lifelong friends, drawn to her vibrant spirit and genuine warmth and knowing they could get their hair done any time day or night 24/7 anywhere.
Known for her cooking skills, Ann loved to prepare her famous briskets, cheesy potatoes, and veggie dip, and so many other dishes that it became a regular. Her gatherings and pool parties were legendary, filled with fun and great times. Ann loved swimming in her pool and being outside in the sun, napping on the porch or deck, she could sleep anywhere. Her passion for gardening was evident in the beautiful flowers that she had, often hiding them in the trunk of her car so Lyle would not find them. It would take a crew to keep them watered and pruned.
Ann and Lyle shared a love for dining out, dancing, traveling and spending time with friends and family, creating countless cherished memories. Ann's active membership in The Pilot Club for over 25 years, where she participated in numerous fundraisers and to help those in need, making positive change in communities and engaging in volunteer activities.
Ann's life was a testament to her boundless energy and dedication, she rarely allowed herself a moment of rest, taking naps whenever and wherever she could. She leaves behind a family who loved her. Ann is survived by her sons, Michael Rose and Jeffrey and his wife Jody Rose, her grandsons Tyler and Quinton, her sister Sue Temper, and her sister-in-law Audra Yahr.
A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 12th, at Porter Funeral Home, Kansas City, Kansas. A burial will follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery where she will reunite with Lyle. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Dementia and Alzheimer's Association.
Ann Mary Rose (Mable or Madam) was a firecracker who will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of needing a basket with a tea towel for her rolls, using her best china and silverware to have hot dogs and hamburgers, always being late, running out of gas, sleeping at restaurants, needing a cocktail, cooking and always asking “do I look old”, doing hair at all hours of the night and day, of course we can’t forget her famous cheese balls. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Following the burial, a luncheon will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 340 N 13th St, Leavenworth, Kansas, where family and friends will gather to celebrate Ann's remarkable life and the memories she leaves behind.