Rose Ann Wagner

Rose Ann Wagner, cherished wife of Henry Wagner, passed away on Wednesday, December 8th, surrounded by her family after an intense month-long fight with Covid-19. Rose lived life to the fullest and was happiest surrounded by family and friends. Rose gave her all to anything she attempted. Being on oxygen didn't hold her back. She still did everything she wanted to do, just a bit slower. Rose continued to travel, remained active with church and charities, and spent time with family and friends. She lived her last month before hospitalization to the fullest, shopping at Finley market and entertaining friends and family with one of her favorite meals, filet mignon, and fun and laughter over cards and games. When the virus started to impact her mobility, she fought it fiercely. Rose fully planned to beat it and be back with her family before Christmas. Possibly the only time Roses plans were thwarted. Rose is survived by her sister, Audrey; brother Bob, her husband of 26 years, Heinrich, (Henry); her 3 children, Samantha (Merle), Detta, and Jason (Jeanean); and 6 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, brother Ronnie, and grandson Larry Michael. Born to Robert and Velma Scheadler in 1946, Rose was the youngest of their 4 children. She grew up in Norwood, Ohio, enjoying her mother’s terrific cooking and honing her card playing skills under her father’s tutelage. Cooking was something that always challenged Rose. There were too many interesting things to draw her attention away from the stove. It was a standing joke with Rose and her children that she could burn water after a memorable experience boiling a pot dry. While the cooking part of Home-Ec didn’t interest Rose, the sewing portion did. Rose was a very skilled seamstress. She made beautiful clothes, outrageous costumes, and decorations for all seasons. Over the years, her creativity found outlets in sewing, needlepoint, ceramics, jewelry making, and crocheting, just to name a few of her many interests. As a result, her home was always fully decorated for every holiday. Growing up, Rose took her responsibilities as the youngest child seriously. She was conscientious in testing her sister Audrey’s jewelry, makeup, and clothes. Rose made sure everything met her high standards, sometimes even before Audrey had time to try the item herself. Audrey repaid Rose for her years of quality control support with Roses first ever bakery-made birthday cake. The image of Audrey coming through the door with the surprise cake remained one of Roses fondest childhood memories. Never one to be left out of the fun, Rose spent hours helping her brother Bob perfect his jitterbug. They were a delight to watch on the dance floor. Roses dancing skills live on in her daughter, Detta, and her granddaughters. Throughout her childhood, Rose and her brother Ronnie were often heard disagreeing about pretty much everything as Rose diligently helped Ronnie develop his debating skills. Their spirited discussions continued despite the distance that separated them through many middle of the night phone calls. A Norwood High School graduate, Rose fell in love with high school friend, James (Jay) Price. He was hard to resist in his Navy uniform. They married in 1966 and started a family. After 3 children and 22 years together, Rose and Jay decided they were better suited as friends. They separated yet remained friends for the rest of her life. Rose met Henry, the love of her life, at work. A Swiss citizen, Henry was often in Ohio for work and over time their acquaintance turned into something much more. They had many wonderful years together, 17 spent in Switzerland and the last 10 in Ohio. Rose’s skills in business administration and accounting and the profound knowledge of the American language provided her the opportunity to be successful in the male dominated world of fighter aircrafts, working for the Swiss government as a configuration- and project manager for the F/A18 aircraft of the Swiss Air force. This was possible after she became a Swiss citizen. During their marriage, Rose and Henry traveled the world visiting his sister, Ruth, in Cyprus, exploring markets in Morocco, and seeing the Great Barrier Reef in Australia in the company of good friends. They toured Fiji, Prague, and Paris more times than she really wanted. Even though Paris was probably her least favorite destination, Rose graciously escorted friends and family to Paris when they came to visit. Rose's love of travel never diminished even though the countries and cities they visited are too numerous to list. Her vacation to Williamsburg and Washington D.C. this December unfortunately did not come to pass. She was also looking at a future trip to Disneyland for the 50-year anniversary to commemorate the family’s vacation during the parks grand opening when Samantha was 4. In her thirties, Rose discovered her passion for philanthropic work and joined Gamma Kappa, the local chapter of ESA International. Through Gamma Kappa, Rose met many women who would be important friends for the rest of her life. She was generous in her efforts with many charitable causes. St. Jude’s, Easterseals, and AmVets being only a few of the organizations she supported. ESA was something that Rose missed during her years in Switzerland. Upon returning to Milford in December 2011, Rose reconnected with her ESA friends, also known as the Gamma Girls, and rekindled her philanthropic work. Through ESA, Rose met Mady, another member, beginning one of the strongest friendships of her life. In Mady, Rose found a kindred spirit and she immediately claimed Mady as her BFF. Throughout their friendship, Mady was a sounding board, confidant, co-conspirator, and source of comfort for Rose. Rose and Henry and Mady and Nick would spend many evenings and trips together sharing in good food and friendly competition. During her time as a member of ESA International, Rose was active at local, state, regional, and international levels. She held many offices, most recently serving on the regional MARC council as parliamentarian. Rose recently became a member of the ESA Foundation, an organization which provides scholarships worldwide. She was very disappointed not to be able to attend the 2021 International Council of ESA convention in Nashville but had a presence there nonetheless. Her crewel embroidery floral picture received first place for needlework. Overheard recently at a gathering for Rose, Rose never argued with anyone. Obviously this was someone who realized that Rose was always right. Rose didn’t argue, she shared her knowledge and expertise with those around her. At times, discussions with Rose would get heated, but she wasn't one to hold a grudge. Once the air was cleared, it was over and forgotten. Rose renewed her connection with her religion in the past decade. She was very active in her congregation, participating in discussion groups, acting as a greeter at the church, and helping with church renovations by painting even with her oxygen in tow. Her faith brought her much comfort in her final months. Often referred to as a force of nature, Roses death will be felt by many. Graveside Service 1PM Saturday April 23, 2022 at Graceland Memorial Gardens Chapel 5989 Deerfield Rd. Milford Ohio. Followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:30PM, at the Charles A. Brigham, Jr. Masonic Temple 11665 N. Lebanon Rd, Loveland, OH 45150. Memorials may be directed to Easter Seals of Cincinnati, Attention Lauren McHaffie, 2901 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45206 or ALSAC / St. Jude Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.