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Rose Flake

January 21, 1933 - April 30, 2019
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Monday, May 6, 2019
10:00 AM EDT
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Service

Monday, May 6, 2019
11:00 AM EDT
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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The jewel of her family, Rose Flake’s unbridled devotion and commitment to those she loved was unmatched. She created a timeless legacy and one to be treasured as she held her family close with a bond of love that only she could fill. Resilient as well as independent, Rose was a woman who knew what she wanted, especially when it came to enjoyable times filled with laughter. Whether family or friend, she was always there with a smile, a helping hand and words of encouragement. Now a treasure in heaven, her memory lives on in the hearts of many.

Rose’s story began in 1933 as the U.S. reached an unprecedented jobless rate of over 15 million. Yet while the nation struggled through the worst year of the Great Depression, great strides were being made in the culture of America as Radio City Music Hall opened and FDR held his first “Fireside Chat” to boost the spirits of Americans. Despite the times, America’s continued thirst for entertainment was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. These days were made brighter for Alonzo and Enid (Flugel) Fate of Grand Rapids, Michigan when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Rose Marie on January 21, 1933.

One of four children, Rose was raised alongside her older siblings, Audrey and Eugene, and was joined later by the youngest in their family, Sonya. The Fate family made their home in Grand Rapids on Griggs Street SW where Rose held close wonderful childhood memories. Her parents were hard working people. They met and were originally from the Remus area of Michigan until making their way to Grand Rapids. Rose’s father worked as a supervisor at the Kelvinator appliance factory while her mother worked at the GM diesel plant. With both of their parents working, Rose and her siblings were quite close and looked out for one another which remained their whole lives through.

Rose was a fun-loving girl who enjoyed many friendships throughout her childhood and beyond. As a young girl she enjoyed roller skating, jump rope, playing softball and ice skating. Although much was being done on the home front for the war effort, news of World War II made daily headlines during Rose’s youth. Despite these tumultuous times, the holidays were always a special time enjoyed with Rose’s aunts, uncles and their families. Chicken and dressing was always a treat during the holiday celebrations but even from a young age, Rose counted being surrounded by those she loved as the greatest gift of all. As a family wonderful memories were made enjoying the family cottage on Big Star Lake and camping at Houghton and Higgins lakes.

Raised in a family devout to their Catholic faith, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School provided Rose with her early education. She went on to graduate from Catholic Central High School, and she took business classes at Davenport College. With the ability to type 100 words per minute, Rose was a valuable asset working as a secretary at Michigan Brass before Kelvinator from where she eventually retired when it closed locally.

Rose never really gave up the idea of finding forever love, yet entering her early fifties gave her pause to wonder until she came to know and love Richard Flake who was the light of Rose’s life. It was Audrey, Rose’s older sister who introduced her to Richard. He worked at Montgomery Ward and a divorced gentleman, he had three grown sons with lives of their own. After dating for a year, the couple was happily married on November 6, 1982. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls and then returned home to Grand Rapids to begin their new lives together. It wasn’t long before they built their home on Kinney Avenue NW where they shared many treasured times together with family and friends.

Although Rose never had any children of her own, her nieces and nephews were very dear to her. A much loved aunt to her eight nieces and nephews, Rose was honored and blessed to have been the godmother to Susan, Alicia, and Colleen. She was special to each of them and Rose remembered their special days and made it a point to completely participate and be present in their lives.

The life of the party, Rose loved music and dancing, especially when it came to the sounds of Elvis or 1950s music. She liked eating out at steak houses and breakfast diners. She also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino where she absolutely loved the excitement in air. In retirement, Rose took in the fun of visiting Dollywood and the beauty of the Wisconsin Dells. For several years she and Richard spent time during the cold Michigan winters in Florida.

Rose had a zest for life that brought smiles to those close to her. Whether boating or spending time at Wabasis Lake, simply having fun in the sun was one of Rose’s favorite pastimes. She was truly in her element hosting her annual New Year’s Day celebration as it was filled with much laughter and where many happy memories were made along the way. Her sense of fashion and freshly painted nails were signature to her personality as well as her cunning sense of humor. Although she will be deeply missed, for these things and so much more, Rose’s spirit will live on in the lives of all who loved her.

Rose Marie Flake, age 86 of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly April 30, 2019. Her husband survives as do her stepsons, John (Eleanor) Flake of Grand Rapids, Kevin (Lisa) Flake of Las Vegas, NV, James (Kelly) Flake of Grand Rapids; step-grandchildren, Dustin, Harley, Keegan, Ryan, Jenny; sister, Sonya (James) Jazwinski of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Marilyn Fate; several nieces and nephews. Rose was preceded in death by her sister, Audrey (John) Snider; and brother, Eugene Fate. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 6, 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rest lawn Memorial Park. Please visit Roses' personal web page to read more of her life story, leave a memory or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.

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