Rose Lee Williams

Rose Lee Williams, formerly of Ogden, Iowa, passed away on March 5, at MercyOne Johnston Hospice Care in Johnston, Iowa.

Rose was born on October 11, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Albert Schmitt and Madonna Lalley Schmitt. On August 20, 1954, she married her partner in life, Ronald Lee Williams. They had two children, Michael and Lori. Rose and Red owned and worked side by side at Williams Food Market, and later Williams Foodland in Ogden, Iowa for over 20 years. Rose will be fondly remembered by her former customers and employees for her Midwestern work ethic, determination and generous heart.

As hard as it was for them to leave the community of Ogden, in 2015 Rose and Red moved to Kennybrook Independent Living in Grimes, Iowa and have enjoyed living closer to their daughter and son-in-law, as well as spending time with their grandchildren.

Rose is survived by her husband Red, her son Michael of Dallas, Texas, her daughter and son-in-law Lori and Jon Kalvik of Des Moines, Iowa, grandchildren Katie (Whit) Gastineau of Moore, Oklahoma, Natalie Kalvik and Ross Kalvik, both of Des Moines, and two great grandchildren, Racee Gastineau and Charlie Gastineau. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Albert Schmitt Jr. and sister Mavis Buckingham.

Rose will be greatly missed by her many nieces and nephews, as well as numerous children who came to know her as “Mama Rose”. A cozy chair, some sage advice, and a delicious, hot meal were always provided to any unannounced guest at the Williams’ home.

A come & go visitation and viewing will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2021, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., at Carson ~ Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden. Graveside services will follow at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden. Pastor Evelyn Lewiston will officiate. For online obituaries & condolences visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be sent to Lori Kalvik at: 4701 Crestmoor Drive, Des Moines, IA, 50310, and will be divided between the Leukemia Society and Hospice.