Rosemarie Gudrun Howard

Rosemarie Gudrun Howard (née Biemann), affectionately known as Rose, was a beacon of love and intelligence, a woman whose faith illuminated the paths of all who knew her. On December 8, 2023, Rose peacefully passed away at Midland Hospice House due to natural causes in Topeka, Kansas, concluding a life rich with compassion, service, and joy.

Born in the historic city of Furth, Germany, in the shadow of Nuremberg, Rose's journey led her across the world, where she bloomed wherever she was planted. Her roots, steeped in the culture and resilience of her birthplace, nourished a life that would become a testament to strength and adaptability.

Rose's devotion to caring for others was evident through her pursuit of education in Leavenworth, Kansas, where she studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Later she took on the role of an Apartment Manager in Sacramento, California. Here, Rose became the heart of her community, a pillar on which her tenants could lean, and a friend who greeted each day with a smile that could outshine the Californian sun.

She was a loving partner to her late spouse, Willie Howard. She leaves behind her children, Theresa Quinn, Lester June Jr., Marcella Cahill, Peter Corbell, and Nathan (Phillip) Kilgore; Marlene Katris, deceased; Ramona Watchman, deceased; Richard Howard, deceased.

Her love for shopping was not just about the thrill of finding a bargain but about the joy of discovery and the pleasure of giving. Her Chihuahua dogs were not merely pets; they were her companions, her little bundles of joy that never failed to bring a sparkle to her eye.

Rose's life was a melody of kindness and grace that resonated in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her. She was a woman who turned everyday moments into memories, who saw challenges as opportunities, and who believed that the best in life was always yet to come.

Today, as we reflect on Rose's journey, let us be inspired by her unwavering positivity. Let us walk forward with the same determination to spread love, to nurture our intellects, and to live a life grounded in faith. In doing so, we honor Rosemarie Gudrun Howard, a woman whose life was a masterpiece of the heart. Rose's story does not end here; it continues in every act of kindness we perform, in every moment of compassion we share, and in every challenge, we meet with courage. As a motivational speaker might say, "Let Rose's life be a reminder that we are all capable of extraordinary things when we lead with love, seek wisdom, and keep faith at the center of our lives." Farewell, dear Rose, Your light shines on.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Helping Hands Humane Society Topeka, or Midland Hospice House Topeka.

Celebration of Life Service to be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, 11:00 am at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS.