Holly Jo Rose, 64, of North Manchester, Indiana, died at 4:50 am, Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born on February 18, 1958, in Wabash, Indiana, to Jack Thomas, Sr. and Darma Ruth (Jones) Smith.
Holly was a 1977 graduate of Southwood High School, and studied cosmetology at Heartland Career Center. On August 20, 1979 she married the love of her life, Tommy Rose in Wabash; he died June 24, 2016. Holly worked for several years as an assistant manager for Arbys, and 14 years at Dexter Axle in North Manchester. Although a bit outspoken at times, Holly had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared for, especially the young employees in which she often served as a second mother. Before becoming sick Holly enjoyed cooking for her family, visiting Shipshewana, planting flowers, loved a good bargain, and enjoyed 70’s music. Although she will be missed tremendously, we take comfort knowing that mom and dad are together again and the supply of French vanilla iced coffees are endless.
She is survived by three daughters, Kelly (Mike) Kerr and Karrie (Alex) Ross, both of North Manchester, and Kristy (Greg) Benzinger of Wabash, six grandchildren, Brylee Kerr, Chase Kerr, Grady Kerr, and Spencer Kerr, all of North Manchester, Barrett Benzinger of Wabash, and Adalynn Krontz of North Manchester, sisters and brother, Debbie (James) Bartoo of Urbana, Indiana, Jackie (Rick) Gardner, Jill (William) Schmalzried, Jack T. (Cathy) Smith, Jr, and Darma M. Smith, all of Wabash. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, David Wayne Smith, and her sister, Kathy Lynn Smith.
Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Tyler Leland officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 9:30 – 10:30 am Wednesday, at the funeral home.
The memorial guest book for Holly may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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