Rose Gail Leavitt (née Crouch), age 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Helena, Montana, on July 21, 2025, following a several-month illness.
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Rose spent much of her early life in Montana and attended schools in Helena, Wolf Creek, and Bozeman. She completed her sophomore year of high school in Roanoke before returning to Helena to attend Helena High School. Although she left school mid-year, she later earned her GED—an early sign of the determination that marked her life.
Rose often described her many occupations as “previous lives,” reflecting both her wit and the breadth of her experience. Her first job was as a soda jerk at Dairyland Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street in Helena. She later worked as a waitress at FW Woolworth, a billing machine operator for Mountain Bell Telephone Company, and a banquet waitress for Jorgenson’s Catering. She became widely known across Montana as a Mary Kay representative, earning recognition as a top saleswoman and mentoring many others. But her favorite role was as a wife and a mother.
A woman of strong faith and civic dedication, Rose was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Helena, where she served as an ordained elder and participated in numerous committees. She also attended Mountain Family Fellowship with her friend Lyle Schwabauer. Her community service included time on the Helena City Commission, fundraising for the Helena Symphony, and supporting numerous causes.
Rose was known for her love of entertaining—a gracious hostess who welcomed others with warmth and style. Her red hair was as striking as her sharp wit; she was kind and gracious but never suffered fools lightly. Those who knew her will remember not only her vibrant personality but also the strength and resilience with which she faced life’s challenges.
One of the most profound losses Rose endured came on January 20, 2017, when both her beloved husband of forty-two years, Gerald (Jerry) Francis Leavitt, and their son Donald Gama passed away just three hours apart. The depth of that sorrow never dimmed her spirit or lessened the grace with which she carried herself.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents; sister Susan; and stepdaughter Tracy. She is survived by her grand-daughter Gail Rohleder and her family; her special step-granddaughter Ainsley Holz and her son Oliver; stepson Eric Leavitt (daughters Hailey and Tracy and their families, and son Aaron) step-daughter Kim Frazier (daughters Natalie, Jennifer, Amy, Kristina and their families), “adopted” daughter Mary Craigle and grandson Kelly Craigle; adopted son Marvin Carpenter and his family; and Deb Whitcomb and her husband Terry Healow.
A memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held on August 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 535 N Ewing Street, Helena. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 PM at the Columbarium Niche at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
First Presbyterian Church
535 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Inurnment
Approximately 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Columbarium Niche
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
First Presbyterian Church
535 North Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Immediatley following her Celebration of Life
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Social Center of the Church
,
Inurnment
Approximately 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 5, 2025
Columbarium Niche
Montana State Veteran Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Kathy Royston says
Dear Leavitt Family,
I worked with Rose when I was first out of high school. She was so encouraging and supportive for a scared teenager out in the real world. May your memories of Rose warm your heart, she was such a sweet lady.
Kathy Royston
Cathy Kovich says
Rose had class, style and beauty inside and out. She loved the Lord and served him well. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend and church member. I thoroughly enjoyed her as a person and as an entrepreneur. Her Mary Kay home sales, store and facial parties were done in Rose fashion working hard to please her customers. She gave of her time and talents willingly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends who were blessed to have known her.
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Rose was very special to us. We went on many adventures together on road trips after Gerry died. Most ended in dinner at some special restaurant.
When both of our sisters passed away Rose and Pearle adopted each other as “sisters “.
Rose was a very loving,generous and classy lady. We will miss her greatly.
Condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Pam Kampfer says
Rose and I only met in 2018, but quickly became friends. She was a joyful, intelligent, and kind woman with a great sense of humor. She was also a dedicated and energetic servant of God.
My condolences to her family members and many close friends. May her memories be a blessing.
Carol W Carpenter says
Words cannot adequately express the love,respect and appreciation my family has for Rose. Many valued memories! What I enjoyed the most about Rose was her desire to take a stand and speak her mind on issues she was passionate about. She was most passionate about care of those around her. A good and faithful servant has been welcomed home Love you Rose!!
Susan Wolcott says
I worked on a couple of fundraisers with Rose. I found working with her easy, practical and a delight.
We were sitting in my dining room when a large bird got trapped on our deck. Without a word, Rose promptly stepped out in her dress and heels, picked up the bird and released it over our railing. I was in awe.