Nancy Rose went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 26, 2023, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana with her daughters by her side listening to her most favorite beloved hymns.
Nancy Sue was born on February 7, 1938, in Kilgore, Texas. The fifth child of Herbert William and Leina Virginia (Elder) Whitaker. She was born 9 years later than her siblings and was dearly loved. She would tell stories of hot Texas summers driving her chartreuse Model A Ford that was always fully loaded with teenage girls. She entered Baylor University in Waco, Texas and graduated in 1959 with a degree in music education.
Nancy met the love of her life, Farrell Rose, a handsome blond Aggie from Waco, while at Baylor on a blind date. They married 2 years later, on June 20, 1959. In October of 1960, they drove to Three Forks, Montana to pursue Farrell’s ranching career, with their 5-month-old daughter, Lisa Virginia, and a young colt in a horse trailer. They were both instrumental in organizing the first Southern Baptist Churches of Three Forks and Whitehall. Nancy was the pianist, music planner, and Sunday School teacher. They lived in Whitehall, Missoula, Choteau, and Glendive before settling in Helena in 1975. She was involved in Christian Women’s Club, Helena Music Teachers’ Association, and Republican Women’s Club, Red Hat’s Club, and a monthly Birthday Bunch.
From her earliest years, Nancy’s life revolved around music. She started directing children’s choirs while she was still in high school and taught band/ choir in a small country school in Willow Creek, Montana, while expecting her second daughter, Melanie Deeann born in 1963. After moving to Helena, she organized and led the Living Christmas Tree Choir for 6 years at the First Assembly of God Church (Helena First). Nancy taught private piano, voice, and organ lessons to students of all ages in each town, including her daughters and grandchildren, amassing 49 years of inspiring children and instilling her own brand of confidence and love of music.
In 2009, Nancy suffered a hemorrhagic stroke which paralyzed her left side. She defied the odds and worked tenaciously for her independence. Hundreds of compassionate people, she called them ‘angels’, assisted in her care and impacted her life over her last 14 years. She exemplified hard work, and perseverance, her favorite scripture was, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. She was assured of God’s power to transform and ultimately bring good out of that which was terrible.
Nancy loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest, she brought a spark of fun and pleasant conversation into every room. She was a devoted Mother and Nana and delighted in teaching her grandchildren to swim and play the piano. She seldom missed a ballgame or concert. Nancy also loved her schnauzers, traveling in her 5th wheel, cruising, garage sales, shopping, gardening, reading, raising songbirds, and making new friends. She could strike up a conversation with any stranger who would be a stranger no more to her. She was an avid reader, loved to learn, and loved to teach, she could even be seen on the Carroll campus auditing courses in her later years. She loved journaling and was dedicated to her family’s history, recording stories of her family in a book that she dedicated to her grandchildren.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Farrell in 2022, her parents, two brothers Andrew Wesley, Kenneth Lee, and two sisters Victoria Elizabeth, Thelma Lozaine, and a granddaughter Kimberlee Marie.
She is survived by her two daughters Lisa Justice (Vince) and Melanie Sharbono (Darwin); four grandchildren Stephanie Leeann Goebel (Allan), Jacob Dean Sharbono (Kalli), Carly Lynae Grogan (Nick), and Anna Taylor Casey (Everett); four great grandchildren Andre Victor Lee Goebel, Leela Maria Danielle Goebel, Daxton Allin Whit Goebel, and Loryn Sue Sharbono; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the Funeral Home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 14, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Anderson Stecenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday October 14, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 14, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday October 14, 2023
Anderson Stecenson Wilke Funeral Home Social Hall
3750 North Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday October 14, 2023
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Barb Hamlin says
Nancy was a fun, loving life lady! I remember seeing her in church, always smiling & visiting. I loved her singing Christmas Tree presentations. She directed these programs with all of her heart.
Carol Merlau says
Thank you for inspiring my life by involving me in Christians Woman’s, baby sitting, overseeing special activities with Christians woman’s club, and being part of Church Choir. Our visits together were always Fun and filled with Prayer.
Much Love,
Carol Merlau
Deb Green says
So many fun memories with your mom. She was a part of our lunch group for many years! Great memories of the ladies retreats we went to together. She was so talented and loved hearing her sing and play the piano. Prayers for your comfort in the days ahead.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
What a day of rejoicing when your mom entered heaven! I am happy for her! We first met at Christian Woman’s Club. I was a baby Christian and loved by so many women of God. Your mom put on a baby shower for me when I had my daughter Jana ( after 2 boys) in May,1980! So many dresses, I was so blessed by these precious friendships! Blessings to you sisters
Annell Fillinger says
I remember her warm smile every time I saw her. She brought so many the gift of music including my daughter Stacy who took piano lessons from her for many years. I will always be thankful that she shared the gift God gave her with all of us. She is now part of that heavenly choir and we will meet again. May God comfort you in your loss.
Lowell Bartels says
Nancy was a wonderful lady. I met her at the assisted care facility as I was doing church and she volunteered to play the key board for us. She was so gracious and talked about her husband Farrel and her children. When it came time for prayers she always prayed for them She had such strong faith and always new Jesus her Savior would take care of her and HE DID. Blessings and comfort to her family.
Nell Johnson says
Nancy is now at peace. she and her friends organized the birthday bunch . their friendship touched many mine included. Phyllis often spoke of her adventures with Nancy and now they are together once again.
My condolence goes out to Nancy.s family and her dear friends
peace be with you