Rosealea Schrader

RoseaLea Schrader, also known by her family and friends as “Toots” or “Rosie” left us on October 23, 2023.  Her last days were spent in the loving care of her niece, Tess Brennan-Kane and Tess’s husband, Darren Kane. 

Rosie was born May 27, 1939 in White Sulphur Springs, MT to Charles and Elizabeth Sibley.  She grew up and attended high school there.  She spent much of her time as a young lady at the Teague Ranch with her big sister, Nelly Teague.  She also worked in Yellowstone National Park one summer at Fishing Bridge. 

It was in White Sulphur Springs that she met her husband, Roger Schrader.  They were married on December 24, 1958.   They had one son, Chip, who passed away at 4 ½ years old.  Their tremendous loss led to the adoption of their daughter, Peggy Jo.  Roger and Rosie ran a motel in WSS for a few years before moving to Townsend, MT. 

She became a busy homemaker, raising their daughter, tending to chickens, horses and several gardens.  Hunting, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities were some of Rosie’s favorite things.  She was also a huge fan of country music and Elvis. Her husband, Roger passed away in 1983 from cancer.  Rosie eventually moved back to WSS to be closer to family. 

Rosie mainly did restaurant work, but she enjoyed crafts and playing on her Kindle.  She became very good at keeping in touch with everyone through “the chat.”  It was quite impressive!  She had a huge collection of angels as well as Native American art.  Rosie had lots of pets over the years. Mostly cats and dogs.  Some of you may remember Jocko and Tidy Buck, her horses. Sadly, her kitty, Percy died earlier this year.  Rosie loved gardening, especially flowers and houseplants.  She loved all the birds, and even fed the deer that would visit her yard.  She adored her family and friends, and was a wonderful, sweet Mom.  Rosie was a proud Montanan and never missed an opportunity to donate to craft sales or church and town functions.  She loved her community and was loved by them.

Her last days were spent at Livingston Health and Rehab Center and Livingston Hospital.  The staff at both places took phenomenal care of her, right up to her last breath.  Many of the staff at LHRC called and even visited her in the hospital.  So many memories of Rosie, she will be missed by everyone she knew.  She was full of love, and was loved!

She was preceded in death by her son, Chip, husband, Roger, her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Sibley, and siblings Nellie ‘Sis’, Charles ‘Bud’, Lawrence ‘Punk’, Kathi, and Twyla, and beloved niece, Martha Ann Teague. 

Rosie is survived by her daughter, Peggy and son in law, Wade McCullough, and grandson, Ashton, her niece, Tess Brennan-Kane, and husband, Darren Kane, her niece Jodi and husband, Garth Gabriel, her Brothers and Sisters in Law, Wes and Barb Stidham, and Ron and Cheryl Schrader, as well as countless other beloved family members.   

Services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at The Yoked Parish in White Sulphur Springs.  Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.  The burial will be at Mayn Cemetery and a reception will follow at the Senior Center.

Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Rosie.