Marlene D. Rose, 93, passed from this life June 6, 2026, after battling pancreatic cancer. Her two daughters cared for her in her final weeks, and she was able to stay in her home.
Born in Galion, Ohio on 3/30/33, to Herman and Alice Derfler, she lived there until making Ashland her home, as a young bride. Her love story began when William Carl Rose, hailing from Johnstown PA, fell instantly in love with her. He had informed his uncle, Marlene’s choir director, he would help transport the choir to their engagements, with the stipulation Marlene ride in his car! They married July 27, 1951, just 2 months after graduation.
Surviving her are two daughters, Kathleen (John) Conery of Ashland, and Karen (Dr. William) Schirmer of Dublin, OH. Her six grandchildren were her pride and joy. Jorie (Brian) Close of Upper Arlington, Jill (Adam) Slinger of Dublin, Dr. Billy (Kevlin) Schirmer, of Grandview, Dr. Jack (Jamie) Schirmer, of Dublin, Dr. Ian (Beth) Conery of Kitty Hawk, NC., and Kelly (Grant) Cunningham of Broadview Hts. Also surviving is brother Dan (Susan) Derfler of Galion.
She felt so blessed to witness the birth of twelve great-grandchildren. Michael, Marley (named Marlene Rose in her honor), and Billy Close; Austin, Avery, and JJ Slinger; Tamara and Simon Schirmer; Quinn and Claire Conery, and Crew and Rosie ( a tribute to the Rose name) Cunningham.
In addition to her parents, Marlene is preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Bill, who passed away August 25, 2020; her son, Dr. Steven Rose, in 1991; two infant granddaughters, Alexa Conery and Kathleen Schirmer; and one sister, Carol (Dick) Maidens.
Marlene spent many meaningful hours volunteering at Trinity Lutheran Church, her church home since 1957. Teaching countless young people in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School about Jesus, was such a source of joy to her. She helped residents at Good Shepherd Home with sewing and mending and worked in Samaritan Hospital Gift Shop for 22 years. She also served the Ashland Symphony Women’s League as treasurer for many years, sitting two terms on the Board of Directors. She and Bill were strong advocates of our Ashland County Community Foundation where they established a scholarship fund.
Marlene was surrounded by the most loving neighborhood. They watched over her, taking out her trash, shoveling her driveway, and sharing fresh produce and baked goods. She was blessed also, with many friends, sharing books, Wordle scores, and other shared interests through the years. Their visits, cards, texts and emails were her solace in the difficult years.
A service celebrating Marlene and Bill’s lives will be held Friday, July 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 with the Reverend Kevin McClain presiding. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 to 11:00 at the church prior to the service at 11:00. Lunch will follow in Jack’s Place at Trinity. A private family interment will be held afterwards.
Memorial contributions may go to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Wm. And Marlene Rose Scholarship Fund at Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Ave., Ashland, OH.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: denbowfh.com