Rose Marie Clark-Reitz

A life devoted to service of others ended when Rose Marie Clark-Reitz of St. Joseph, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, July 24, 2017 in the loving arms of her family. Rose was born January 14, 1937 in Flint to Canadian immigrants, Dan and Stella (Collins) McGrath. Her family moved to Laingsburg where she spent her formative years first on a farm and then “in the city.” After graduating from Laingsburg High School, where she excelled in playing and coaching basketball, she married Jerry Clark and spent many years raising children and using her decorating skills in each home in the many cities the Michigan State Police transferred Jerry and the family. At the South Haven post, in the early 1970’s, she distinguished herself as the first female postal carrier. A popular, non traditional college student with an impressive GPA, Rose was invited to speak at her Siena Heights University graduation. She also graduated from the prestigious School for Bank Administration at the University of Wisconsin. Her education was used to pursue a successful career in banking. Rose was also an adjunct instructor at Lake Michigan College and participated in the International Institute of Business and Banking as a visiting teacher in Russia. She was instrumental in developing the local Russian Banker Training. She maintained professional association with the American Institute of Banking, Financial Women International, National Association for Female Executives, and Phi Theta Kappa. Volunteerism was important to Rose. Organizations that benefited from her skills included the Salvation Army, Blossomland United Way, Twin Cities Area Literary Council, March of Dimes, Child Watch Program, and Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. After retirement, she and John Reitz, her second husband, traveled to China, Spain, Portugal, Hong Kong and the mother country, Ireland. They spent many weekends at their cottage in White Cloud. Rose was a voracious reader and was proud of her large collection of books. She achieved the level of master bridge player and was an excellent crossword puzzle solver. She enjoyed music, dancing and playing the piano. Rose loved all things red: lipstick, OPI, roses, and Winston 100’s. Saturdays were spent cheering the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The family will miss her cooking skills, especially corned beef, cabbage and mashed potatoes! Rose is survived by her children Karen Hayter, Patrick (Patricia) Clark and Lorrie (Jack) Biegalski; step-children John Reitz Jr., Connie (Barry) Younggreen, Anne Reitz, and Chris Reitz (Marisol Taylor); grandchildren Tim (Azusa) Hayter, Michael Hayter, Anna Clark, Elizabeth (Stephen) Appleton, Aaron (Amanda) Clark, Michael Biegalski, Matthew Biegalski, Mitchell Biegalski, Mason Biegalski and Maggie Biegalski; step-grandchildren Amy (Tony) Ferrell, Andrew Bern, Paul Reitz, Anthony Dunning and Emily Lemons; great grandchildren Joan Clark, Johnathan Clark, Paige Clark, Rosemary Appleton and James Appleton; step great grandchildren Nicholas Ferrell and Bradley Ferrell, sister in law Connie McGrath, and brother Eugene (Penny) McGrath. Welcoming Rosie in heaven were her parents, husbands Jerry Clark and John Reitz, brother Gerard McGrath, and sister Rita Farr. Much appreciation is extended to her many caregivers over the past few years as well as the hospice staff who provided comfort to her. Memorials may be made to the Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127 or St. Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to share a memory of Rose online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com A Celebration of Life Mass will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 12, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph, MI with Fr. Robert Creagan officiating. Lunch to immediately follow at the Rose Center, adjacent to the church. The celebration of her life will conclude with an Irish toast at the Lakehouse Restaurant and Bar, 3029 Lakeshore Dr.                                                                                          May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields… And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand