Mary Helen Rose's Obituary
Mary Helen Rose, 81, of Groom, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Amarillo.
Memorial services will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Groom with Gerry Lewis officiating.
Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.
Mary Helen was born on July 25, 1943, in Erick, Oklahoma to Howard Lee and Dorothy Lillian (Richardson) Mansel. She grew up in Oklahoma and, from a young age, showed remarkable resilience. After being diagnosed with polio at just 2½ years old, she spent her childhood in leg braces until the age of nine. Yet, she never let the illness slow her down or diminish her joyful spirit.
Her family later moved to Groom, Texas, where she graduated with the Class of 1962. She went on to earn an associate’s degree in electronics from Texas State Technical Institute. While working as a waitress, she met the love of her life, Howard Quinton Rose. They were married on July 23, 1967, in Amarillo, and together they raised two children, Terri and Michael.
Mary had a sharp mind and a strong work ethic. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper at Bealls department store in Pampa, later preparing taxes at H&R Block for over a decade. Eventually, she served as bookkeeper for the local grocery store in Groom.
Known for her bright outlook and kind heart, Mary always saw the best in people. She had an unwaveringly positive spirit and never spoke unkindly of anyone. Her warmth and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a deep love for reading, crossword puzzles, and old westerns—John Wayne being her favorite. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Groom.
Mary Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard; two brothers, Don and Jerry Mansel; and her sister, Londez Lamm.
She is survived by her son, Michael Rose (Mandy Shrader) of Amarillo; her daughter, Terri Rose of Groom; two grandchildren, Madison Plucker (Al) of Early, Texas, and Collin Rose of Amarillo; and a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Lydia Belle Plucker, expected in July.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Groom Ambulance Service in her memory.
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