Remembering Rose Eleanor Phelps: A Tribute
Rose Eleanor Phelps, a beloved member of the Mason City community, passed away at the age of 101 under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Good Shepherd in Mason City. The arrangements for her services are being handled by Fullerton Funeral Home. A private family graveside service and inurnment at Rockwell Cemetery in Rockwell, IA will be held at a later date.
A Life Well-Lived
Rose was born on February 15, 1923, in Portland, IA, to Alva and Julia Terpeney. She was a graduate of Mason City High School, class of 1940. Rose’s journey through life included a beautiful marriage to Orville Stoltenberg in 1940, which lasted for 50 wonderful years until his passing in 1990. Later on, she found love again with Wilbur Phelps, whom she married in 1993 until his passing in 1996.
A Heart of Service and Passion
Throughout her life, Rose dedicated herself to caring for her five children as a devoted homemaker. She also found joy in creating wedding cakes, doing upholstery work, and pursuing additional training to become a home health aide at NIACC. Her commitment to helping others shone through her volunteer work for hospice, where she was honored as Iowa’s Volunteer of the Year. Rose’s passion for serving her community was truly inspiring.
In her leisure time, Rose enjoyed quilting, sewing, and solving crossword puzzles. She had a green thumb, spending hours in her garden and preserving her harvest through canning. Her community involvement extended to memberships at Hanford Community Church, Hanford Community Country Club, and the Birthday Club. She cherished moments spent over coffee with her friends.
A Lasting Legacy
Rose is survived by her son, Randy, and daughter, Julie, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will always remember her love and kindness. She was preceded in death by her husbands Orville and Wilbur, her daughter Dixie, sons Craig and David, her brother Charles, daughter-in-law Cherlyn, and many other cherished family members and friends.
Rose Eleanor Phelps will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her legacy of love, service, and passion for life will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest in peace.
