Rosalie Kay Rodewald

Rosalie “Rosie” Kay Rodewald, the daughter of Stanley Ray Howard and Ruthetta May Kohlieber, was born July 1, 1941, in Herington, Kan. Later, Ruthetta married Gerald Adams and together they raised Rosie. Rosie grew up and attended school in Schaller. On Jan. 23, 1959, Rosie married John L. Kotz. To this union, eight children were born. John and Rosie later divorced.

On May 14, 1985, Rosie was united in marriage with Ronald Rodewald in Nederland, Texas. They moved to Newton in 1991. Rosie had worked for Dezi’s Quick Shop from 1991 to 1998 and at Walmart from 1998 to 2013. Rosie was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newton.

Rosie passed peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at her home in Newton. She was 79 years old. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Ruthetta Adams; her first husband, John Kotz on Sept. 18, 2018; her husband, Ronald Rodewald on Dec. 31, 2000; a daughter, Janet Marie Kotz; and a sister, Mary Banks. Those left to honor Rosie’s life include her children, Julie A. Brown (Chuck), John J. Kotz (Ann), Robert F. Kotz (Elizabeth), James P. Kotz, Brenda L. Roberts (Chris), Michael J. Kotz (Sara) and Matthew J. Kotz; her stepchildren, Tom Rodewald (Judy), Penney Esrey and Susie Esrey (Troy); her 23 grandchildren; her 27 great-grandchildren; her sister, Gerry Fineran (Roger); and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3 at the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Facemasks are required. A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 11 a.m. on the Pence-Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be designated to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and may be left at the funeral home.