Rose Josephine Speer (Gosmano)

Rose Speer, 97, of Independence, MO passed away Friday, December 14, 2018. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10am on Friday, December 28, 2018 at St. Mary Parish 611 N. Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050. The family will greet guests one hour prior at the church.

Rose was born November 23, 1921 in Kansas City, MO to Santo and Josephine (Sirna) Gosmano. She was a bright spirit who never met a stranger. She knew someone everywhere she went. One night while going out with friends, she met Roy Speer at Union Station as he was being sent out with the Air Force. They kept in touch, later married and stayed together 61 years. Rose was an excellent cook. She made the best Italian cookies, cupcakes and her spaghetti and meatballs were served at every holiday dinner. She loved being a mother and grandmother. She was a proud parishioner at St. Mary for over 60 years. She was extremely involved in the church and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and Catholic Women’s Club.

Rose will be remembered by her son Ronald Speer of Independence, MO; grandchildren Rick Speer and wife Molly of Kremmling, CO, Luke Speer and wife April of Louisburg, KS, Kala Russell and husband Edward of Grand Junction, CO; great-grandchildren Megan Sophia Speer, Isabella Melani Speer, and Adam Michael Speer; and her brother Joe Gosmano.

She was preceded in death by her sisters Congetta Hendrix and Mary Stricker, husband Roy Speer, and her son Richard Speer.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. Mary Parish.