Vernon Okinawa “Okie” Rose, age 78, formally of Trenton, Missouri, passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Spring House Village memory care facility in Springfield, MO.

Okie was born on October 30, 1945, in Corning, Arkansas, the daughter of Mary High and the late Vernon High. Her father, Vernon, was killed in World War II just three months prior in Okinawa, Japan. Later, she was blessed with a wonderful stepfather, Glendon Stacy, and was raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where she graduated high school.

Okie received a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri, and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Northeast Missouri State University. She began her teaching career in Wentzville, Missouri, where she met and married Ronnie Rose in 1968. They soon moved to Trenton, Missouri, where Okie continued a 28-year career as a guidance counselor and a home economics teacher. She always had an open door for her students and coworkers and welcomed them all with a smile and a generous spirit.

She was chosen as “Outstanding Young Woman of Trenton,” in 1973 and was active in the Heritage Club, American Association of University Women, the First Christian Church of Trenton and later the Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, MO.

She was the proud mother of Ronnie Rose II and Rachel Compere (David) all of Springfield. She cherished time with her grandchildren, Luke Rose, Clayton (Carissa) Compere, Grant Compere and Addison Compere. She and Ron relocated to Springfield in 2010 to be closer to them and to take an active role in the grandkids’ activities.  Her greatest joy came from spending time with her four grandkids. Whether baking with Grandma or hearing how wonderful they played in the game or how beautifully they danced, she made sure the grandkids always felt special and loved.

Okie was a talented cook, who delighted in preparing delicious meals for her family and friends. If you knew her, you are probably craving her German chocolate cake, carrot cake, or raisin pie.

Okie also had a passion for travel and explored the world with her husband and friends, Sara and LD Gibson. Her pictures and stories will be treasured for generations to come.

Okie will be forever remembered by her husband, children and grandchildren, sister Alti Lauderdale, brother Junior (Debbie) Stacy, brother-in-law Stewart (Judy) Rose and many special nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and stepdad, she is preceded in death by her in-laws, Lawrence and Pauline Rose, Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Patricia (Ed) Bradshaw, brother-in-law Dennis Rose and her brother-in-law Charles Lauderdale.

A memorial service for Okie will be held on Monday, July 29th, 2024 at 1 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.

Please join the family for a reception immediately following the service at Metropolitan Grill, 2931 East Battlefield Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship in her memory at Trenton High School. Donations may be sent to: The Foundation Trust for THS, Inc.  PO Box 185, Trenton, MO  64683.  Please reference Okie Rose when donating.