Obituary: August (Art) Rose, 100

August (Art) Rose died at his home in Willows on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. He celebrated turning 100 years of age in May of this year.

The oldest of seven children, he was born in Hamilton City to Manuel and Rosie (Borba) on May 22, 1922. He was raised on the family farm in Los Molinos in Tehama County, where he learned the love of horses and was given the job of “breaking and saddling” the horses.

He joined the Merchant Marines and served one year in the Philippines. He returned home on leave, whereupon he had a motorcycle accident, breaking his back and ending his service career.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Cecilia Smith, and they were married on Sept. 14, 1949, in the old St. Monica’s Catholic Church on the corner of Sycamore and Plumas Streets. The couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in September of 2019.

He was a hard, conscientious worker and family provider, working in the agricultural field. He worked for William Lohse at Lohse Mills for over 50 years, and was a faithful, well-respected employee until his retirement.

He was a life-long member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church and, along with his wife, was always a cheerful and happy presence at Mass every Sunday. He will truly be missed by all those who loved him, both family and friends, and will forever be remembered, as his family believes, “He is home now with Barbara and his family.”

He is survived by children, Eileen Wilkins (Bill) of Sacramento, Janita Welling (Michael) of Vacaville, Clifford Rose (Diane) of Oregon, and Deanna Johnson (Leroy) of Idaho; grandchildren Gus Wilkins, Maranda Berry (Ray), Jason Welling (Allison), Keetra Welling-Upton (Bob), Jenna Rose, Tabitha Cessna (Kyle) and Zachary Johnson; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, who were proud to call him “Uncle Art” and loved to listen to his many stories.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara (Smith) Rose, who died on April 1, 2020; his brothers, William (Bill), Manuel, Anthony (Tony), Alfonso, and Frank; sister Emily (Rose) Steenburgen; and daughter-in-law Lanita Rose.

A viewing is scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at F.D. Sweet and Son Funeral Home in Willows. Graveside services are to follow at 1 p.m. at the Catholic Cemetery.