Rose Jeanette Stramel

Rose Stramel passed away on January 4, 2023. She joins her husband of 44 years, Gilbert “Gib” J Stramel, who died in May of 1991. She loved and missed him dearly. Rose was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 23, 1928. She and Gib married on August 2, 1947. Despite being young and occasionally struggling financially, Rose always believed that God would provide for her family. She and Gib went on to bring 10 children into this world, living in Kansas, Texas, and Michigan until ultimately settling in North Little Rock in 1967. When her children had grown, Rose turned her attention to gardening, sewing, her church, and baking.

 

With 10 children came a lifetime of motherly worries and concern, which she always handled with poise, but also a stream of joy as she watched their lives. That joy grew with the time she spent with her 30 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Every year at holiday gatherings, at least one family member would utter aloud in disbelief how the dozens upon dozens of people in attendance were there because of Rose. The promise of Rose’s amazing desserts was often enough to bring that family together—having been the manager at Skaggs Bakery in North Little Rock for many years, Rose could magically turn just water, flour, and sugar into the most exquisite delicacies. Her home cooking was her most natural way to sustain her family, in both body and spirit. With just a shoe-string budget, Rose could prepare a feast that would make her guests fulfilled and happy.

 

Rose is survived by her 10 children: Beth (Phillip) Pile, Michael (Sharon) Stramel, Steven Stramel, Thomas Stramel (Mary), Teresa (Jim) McNerlin, Patrick (Kelly) Stramel, Timothy Stramel, Mary (Jimmy) Russell, Laura (Steve) Cathey, and Melissa (Richard) Armendariz. Her 30 grandchildren will continue to debate their favorite dessert from Grandma Rose. Her 25 (and growing!) great and great-great grandchildren will be the beneficiaries of the inherited recipes, and will all grow to know just how special, selfless, and loving Rose was. In the wake of Rose’s absence sits thousands of memories of our mom and grandma, that will sustain each of us for a lifetime. 

 

Rose’s family would like to especially thank the doctors and nurses who cared for her at the Manor Senior Living Community and the nurses from Affinity Hospice. 

 

Visitation will be Monday, January 9th, from 9:30am to 10:30am, at Smith Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, 72114. Catholic Mass will follow at 11:00am at Saint Patrick’s Church in North Little Rock, across from the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Birthright of Little Rock and Saint Patrick’s Church of North Little Rock.

 

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.