Rosa Lee Greninger, 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on November 26, 1934, in Joplin, Missouri, to John and Jennie Garrett.

Rosalee was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her throughout her life. She lived with quiet grace, unwavering love for her family, and a servant’s heart that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Leon Greninger. The two were married on July 7, 1951, when Rosalee was just 15 years old. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love while raising their five children: Richard, Collene, Stephen, Donna, and Douglas. Because of Leon’s military service, the family moved often, creating homes wherever life took them. No matter where they lived, Rosalee made every house a place of warmth, comfort, and belonging.

Her children fondly described their upbringing as something out of Ozzie and Harriet or Leave It to Beaver. Every evening, a homemade four-course meal awaited them around the table, and no one ever left hungry. Rosalee was an extraordinary cook whose talents became legendary within the family. Doug eagerly anticipated her chicken livers, while Collene could never resist her tender pot roast. Her biscuits and gravy and hearty ham and beans were favorites shared by many. Though she had countless treasured recipes, she rarely needed to look at one. Cooking came naturally, and the love she poured into every meal was the secret ingredient no recipe could ever capture.

That love of cooking became one of the greatest gifts she passed on to her family. Collene often pulled a chair up beside her mother in the kitchen, learning by watching and helping. There was always room beside Rosalee at the counter, so long as you cleaned up after yourself. Those simple moments together became cherished memories and lifelong lessons.

Her talents extended far beyond the kitchen. Rosalee was an accomplished crafter who created beautiful ceramic pieces and handcrafted porcelain dolls from start to finish, painting and firing each one herself. She proudly exhibited her work in competitions at the Fairgrounds. She also enjoyed painting in the style of Bob Ross, knitting, and crocheting, always creating something beautiful with her hands.

Rosalee found joy in traveling. She especially loved taking cruises with her daughter Collene and had a special affection for Bermuda. England, however, was never high on her list-she always thought it was much too gloomy for her taste. She adored flowers, especially roses and gardenias, though she would be the first to admit she lacked a green thumb. Planting was usually left to Doug each Mother’s Day, allowing her to simply enjoy their beauty.

Rosalee carried herself with timeless elegance. She was rarely seen without her hair perfectly styled, her makeup carefully applied, and an outfit chosen with impeccable taste. She was truly a class act in every sense of the phrase, a woman whose beauty radiated as much from her character as from her appearance.

Her family lovingly remembers that she could be a bit stubborn-or, as she preferred, “strong-willed.” She was fiercely independent and never wanted to be taken care of because caring for others was simply who she was. She never wanted to feel like a burden. Even in her later years, she found simple happiness watching the birds gather at the feeder outside her window, content in the peaceful moments they brought.

Above all else, Rosalee was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her children say she was the very best mother, and that never changed with time. As they grew older, she remained the first person they called whenever they needed help, advice, or simply the comfort of knowing Mom would always be there. Her love never wavered, and neither did her willingness to give of herself.

Rosalee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leon Greninger; her parents, John and Jennie Garrett; her sister Frances Peterson; and her children, Richard Greninger, Stephen Greninger, and Donna Greninger.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Collene Poppe and husband, Lee; her son, Douglas Greninger and wife, Lesley; her grandchildren, Stephanie Maples and husband, Steve; Hannah Faulk; Hallie Greninger; and Harlen Fawkes; her great-grandchildren, Trey Maples; Chance Maples and his wife; her treasured great-great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Bridger Maples; her sisters, June Farmer, Loretha Joe, Shirley Turpin, and Linda Goad; along with many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

A visitation will be held Monday, July 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Rosalee’s legacy is found not only in the beautiful things she created, the meals she lovingly prepared, or the homes she made welcoming, but in the generations she nurtured with unwavering devotion. Her kindness, strength, faith, and unconditional love will continue to live on in every family recipe prepared, every craft lovingly made, every flower admired, and every bird that stops to rest outside a window.