Rose Lane

Rose Francis Lane passed away on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 6:35 a.m. in Afton, Oklahoma.

Rose was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on May 17, 1934 to John Leon Francis and Maria (Serafina) Francis. She grew up in New Bedford, attending Mt. Carmel Catholic Elementary School (K-8), and was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where she completed her religious studies class, graduating with honors.

Always putting family first, Rose left high school to care for her parents. In 1953, she met and married James Wilson Lane of Parsons, Kansas. The young couple began their marriage living in Lawrence, Kansas where Rose returned to high school, eventually earning her diploma from Pittsburg High School, and continued her studies at Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg.

Rose worked for many years with James and Minnie R. Lane (mother-in-law) in the family business of Lane's dress shop. Later she followed her passion of being a professional florist, owning and operating Rosie's Flowers in Parsons. Eventually, Rose went to work for Wal-Mart as an Assistant Manager, a career that would take the couple all over the United States. In retirement, Rose and Jim traveled across the country in their motor home, before returning to Parsons, to retire.

Rose was an avid flower gardener, enjoyed singing, crafting, cooking, sewing, and other hobbies. She was very active in the community, participating in garden club, church organizations, music clubs, scouting, the PTA, and variety of other organizations focused on youth. Most of all Rose was a devoted to her family, and to her faith.

Rose is survived by her husband James of 64 years and their children, James W. Lane II and his wife Terri (Jarvis) Lane of Afton, Oklahoma, daughters Cynthia R. Lane, and Michelle R. Sweeten, both of Kansas City, Kansas, John Manuel Lane and wife Cindy (Shaffer) Lane of Parsons, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Francis, and sister Mary Francis Branco, formerly of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2017 at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Rose during her latest illness, with a special thank you for the love and kindness showed by the caregivers of Good Shepherd Hospice.

Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Hospice. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.