Obituary of Ivan G. Rose

Ivan George Rose, 89, of Lincolnville and formerly of Spartansburg, died peacefully at his home on August 15, 2015, with his family at his side after a period of declining health. He was born at his family’s Spartansburg home on March 13, 1926, a son of the late George L. Rose and Blythe Aikens Rose. Grace Maynard Rose, his wife of 60 years, preceded him in death February 2, 2008. They met at the Centerville milk plant where Ivan carefully planned his family farm’s milk route to coincide with hers and their first date was at the Spartansburg Fair. They were married on September 1, 1947 at the Centerville United Methodist Church. Together they lived on the family farm their entire married life while also enjoying several winters in St. Cloud, Florida. He was a devoted husband, who was admired for the loving care he provided his wife, especially in her years of declining health. He attended Spartansburg schools graduating in 1944. During his farming years with the assistance of his family, he operated Roses Dan-Dee Farms, a 1000 acre dairy farm with 350 head of registered Holsteins. He also produced maple syrup, hauled milk, and drove school bus. He took pride in the progress that all of the family’s hard work produced over four generations of stewardship and viewed the farm as his paradise! He was active in many farm organizations previously serving as County Committeeman of the Farm Services Agency, Director of the PA Soil Conservation, President of Crawford County Holstein Association and member of both the National and Penna. Holstein Association. He was inducted into the Crawford County Ag Hall of Fame in 2010. He served four terms as Crawford County Commissioner from 1980 - 1995 and as Chairman from 1984-1987. During his years of service, both the Crawford County Care Center and the Crawford County Correctional Facility projects were completed. He was also a past member and president of the Northwest Regional County Commissioner’s Association. He was honored as Republican Man of the Year in 1998. His love for the Crawford County Fair began during several years of showing the family farm’s cattle. From 1980, he served on the Fair Board with 23 years as President, and as a Director until 2013, when he was recognized as an honorary member. He and his wife initiated what has become the highly coveted Four Star Homemaker Award and they donated the Senior Citizens’ pavilion. He was proud of the Fair Board’s accomplishments during his tenure, which included the 5,000 seat grandstand, performance stage, and many agricultural buildings. During his 33 years of service, he was well known by many small business owners within a six county area who looked forward to his delivery of materials promoting the fair. He also dedicated his time to Active Aging, where he previously served as a board member, as Director of the Governing and Advisory Boards and as a state board member for the Council on Aging of the PA Dept. of Aging. He was also on the Active Aging Building committee and the Quality Living Center Board. He was previously a director for R.S.V.P., on the Strategic planning committee for Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community and on the Board of Corporators of Meadville Medical Center. He will also be remembered as a jovial Santa Claus who delivered presents to Crawford County Care Center residents. He belonged to the Centerville United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed attending worship services and social activities. He was a member and Past Master of Spartansburg Blue Lodge F.& A.M. #372. He subsequently belonged to the Titusville Blue Lodge #754, where he was recognized as a 60 year Mason in 2011. His fraternal memberships also included the Crawford County Shrine Club, Zem Zem Shrine, Kismet Grotto, and Order of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. Other past affiliations include the Titusville Rotary Club, the Meadville B.P.O.E. and the Oil City - Titusville Railroad Society, where he was a charter member. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who will be greatly missed. He enjoyed spending time with his family, who especially appreciated his generosity, keen sense of humor, storytelling, and sentimentality. He blessed his family with an abundance of happy memories and colorful stories. Survivors include two daughters, Denise Foltz and her husband, Gary of Townville; Christine Cooney and her husband, Michael of Spartansburg; a son, I. Gregory Rose and his wife, Lori of Lincolnville, whom he resided with for the past 3 years. His grandchildren include Sherri Jardina (Adam), Lauren Foltz (Richard), Brian Foltz (Nicole), Kelly Allen (Maury), Corey Cooney (Brianna), Carissa Ormsbee (Teddy), Adam Rose, G. Robert Rose (Bailey), Garret Rose & Cody Rose. Seven great grandchildren include Hailee Allen, Olivia Jardina, Colton Allen, Drew Jardina, Rebecca Ormsbee, Madelyn Cooney, and Orson Rose. Step-grandchildren include Jaime Brenner (Chris) and Erin Reed (Jason) along with four step-great grandchildren, Gwen and Steven Reed and Kaleigh and Kennady Brenner. Surviving siblings include Eleanor McCray and Marjorie Palmer of Corry. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Wendell Lane Rose, a great grandson, Lucas Frank Ormsbee, and brothers, Harry Rose, Richard Rose, and George Rose, Jr. His family will always be grateful for the many kindnesses and quality care he received from his physicians and the staff of Meadville Medical Center, Wesbury Grace Health Center and Lakeland Area Hospice and for the pastoral support by Rev. Barry Weyant. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, August 19 from 1 to 5 pm at Wesbury’s Barco Chapel, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA. The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held immediately afterwards with Reverend Barry Weyant officiating. A Masonic service will also be conducted at 12:45 p.m. prior to visiting hours.