Rosezella Elizabeth Keck of Lee’s Summit, MO closed her eyes for the last time as she passed away peacefully Sunday morning July 16, 2023 at John Knox Village Care Center. It was then, shortly after sunrise that she awakened to a new glorious day in heaven. She was surrounded by friends and family in the days preceding her passing and was known by several names. To many she was “Rosie”, to others “Mom”, “Sis” or “Gram”, but for nearly the past 20 years she was known to most simply as “Pockets”. It was an endearing title bestowed upon her by her great grandchildren and originated from the old nursery rhyme “Ring Around the Rosie”. What started as “Rosie Pockets” was quickly abbreviated by young children to “Pockets”.
Born December 17, 1931 to Milo and Velna Waugh, Rosie spent most of her formative years growing up in small farm towns across northwest Missouri including Norris, Holden, Latour, and Lone Jack. As the oldest of 6 kids (4 brothers and a sister), Rosie often found herself playing the role of mother to her younger siblings. She graduated from Lone Jack High School where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Leroy Keck. They were married on June 30, 1951. Leroy joined the Air Force and the couple spent the first 4 years of their marriage in Wichita Falls, Texas. They then settled in Lone Jack, Missouri and raised two beautiful daughters. To say that Rosie was a devoted wife and mother is probably an understatement. Her love knew no bounds and her work ethic was just as strong.
Rosie held various jobs including general store clerk, school cafeteria worker, and the credit department at Sears Roebuck & Co. for well over 20 years. Eventually she retired from Sears shortly before her husband Leroy’s life-altering stroke. Rosie spent the next decade visiting and caring for her husband in a care center every day, without fail, until he passed in 2006. She was a lover of family, food, games and pretty much any excuse she could find to bring the family together. Anyone who ever had the privilege of eating a meal prepared by Rosie understands that it was a delicious and memorable occasion. There was always enough food to feed an army with at least two main dishes, a plethora of sides, and 4-5 desserts.
Sunday was Rosie’s favorite day of the week, so it’s only appropriate that Sunday was her graduation day to heaven. Jesus Christ was the foundation and center of her life. She was actively involved in her church and greatly enjoyed the company of her many friends at church. Her love of people spilled over into everything she did and she was the ultimate giver. She was also a loyal customer to many different catalog companies and would often buy multiples of anything she ordered. When the ordered item did not fit or meet her expectations, she would always give it away to someone else instead of shipping it back. She gave away countless amounts of money and merchandise and was often known to say “Well, you can’t take it with you.”
In her later years, Rosie loved playing cards and games with her family, coloring in coloring books, and spending hours putting puzzles together. Her smile and laughter were infectious and her many “Pocketism” sayings will be greatly missed.
Rosie was preceded in death by her husband Leroy, parents Milo and Velna Waugh, her brother Clifford Waugh, her sister Katherine Bowers, and her great grandson Nolan Summers. She is survived by brothers Edward Waugh, Bill Waugh (Annie), and Jay Waugh (Susan); daughters Kathy Bowers (Billy) and Brenda Summers (Ronny); grandchildren Adam Summers (Amy), Heather Atkinson (Chris), Zack Poole (Taylor), Karly (Andrew O’Brien); and 9 great grandchildren.
Visitation Friday, July 21, from 9-10 am at Abundant Life church in Lee’s Summit, MO. Funeral service to follow from 10-11am. Burial service at Floral Hills East cemetery in Lee’s Summit, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rosezella can be made to Abundant Life Church, 414 SW Persels Road, Lees Summit, MO 64081.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Dave & Missy Bailey
19 Jul 2023We love you all & are praying for you!
HAZEL ESTEP
19 Jul 2023I was privileged to know Rosie for only 5 years, but she made me feel like we were lifelong friends. I met her the first day I attended a “Sunday School” class as a newbie at Abundant Life Church. Her sweet smiling face seemed to say, “Where have you been, girl”. From that day on she was one of mine and I was one of hers! I will miss you sweet lady but we will meet again and I know I will see your beautiful smiling face waiting for me. God bless all of Rosie’s family and praying for the strength you will need in the coming days.
Judy Eichholz
17 Jun 2024Rose, I shall never Ever forget you When the guys were at Oak Grove care center It was hard for them to be there, but when it got down to it, we all tried to make it easier roundabout way we were all Family back then . Rosie’s family Sure Had a wonderful mom and dad I would have been there if I had known when she went to find your dad in heaven you could be thankful they’re now back together know that I’ll never forget them
Shelly and Raymond Withrow
19 Jul 2023Much Love sent to you
Vanessa Johnson
19 Jul 2023Mrs. Rosie was a beautiful lady who had an amazing way of making you feel very special. Although you knew she shared love and hugs with so many others, I was blessed to experience those moments with her. I thank God for allowing me to be apart of her life. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Noel Shepard
19 Jul 2023We will all miss her delightful smile and encouraging words.
Karen Titus Moore
19 Jul 2023I sure lost touch with Rosie and family over the years. She had her mother’s smile. She and my mother Jean Waugh Titus were cousins. I’m praying for the family.
Kim Day
19 Jul 2023Rosie was a Special friend from the very first day I met her in church. Her smile always made me feel so special. Even though I didn’t see her every week, I always felt a special connection to her. The last time I saw her at church was on Mother’s Day. She was such a neat lady and I know she’ll be waiting for us in Heaven. Till we meet again, my sweet friend. Love always, Kim
Wanda (Loudermilk) Neves
20 Jul 2023Rosie’s life is fondly remembered for the Christian example she set.
Her oldest daughter Kathy was one of my best friends
growing up. Rosie was like a second mom to all Of us. She had a sweet smile, kind ways and the light of Jesus in her eyes. Anyone who knew her, knew that she loved Jesus. She touched my life and I am very grateful I knew her growing up.
I know she is rejoicing with Jesus in heaven.
Sending up prayers of comfort for all her family and loved ones.
Meredith Thompson
20 Jul 2023Mrs. Rosie was not just a friend and Sunday School companion, but she was also like a mother to me and my daughter. She was a giver, and always knew what to give and when to give it. Often times, it wasn’t even monetary. She always had an ear to listen, gave wise counsel, and had a heart of love, empathy and compassion. She was a true inspiration, and my dear sister in Christ. We shared a wonderful bond throughout the years, and she’s like a guardian angel to me. She is very loved, and will be sorely missed! “To be absent from the body, is the be present with the Lord!”
One final wave 👋
Until we meet again, “Miss America” (hehe) 😇
Carson Franken
20 Jul 2023So many memories of Rosie, always friendly, always smiling. As a friend of Kathy’s she put up with over-nights and giggly girls.
Kandia Ivy
21 Jul 2023I was 15 years old. Sis. Keck, as I knew her, came to me and wanted to know if I would be her helper for her Sunday school class of 5 year olds. I told her yes, thus started a 32 year career in teaching. I thought of her occasionally and always contributed my love for children to her. She was alway so gracious and kind. After retirement my husband and I, Ray, moved to Kimberling city Missouri. I took a job at Sight and Sound Ministries, which was a wonderful retirement job. I was working one night and we were getting guests in and seated, when who walks through the door. That’s right, Sis. Keck. I had not seen her in years and I felt so privileged to get to see her one more time. Love you and praying comfort, peace and understanding over Sis. Keck’s family.