Rose Marie Cromwell

Rose Marie (Thomas) Cromwell passed away July 2, 2024. Rosie, as she was called by family and friends, was born on March 2, 1937 at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula MT. She was the fifth of nine children born to George and Theresa Thomas. 

 On Oct. 16, 1954, Rosie married Russell Cromwell. They built their forever home and raised their three children, Kathy, Roderick and Brian, up Lolo Creek, where they resided for 70 years. As a young family, they had farm animals, camped all over Western Montana, hiked throughout the Bitterroot mountains, picked huckleberries in the Lolo Canyon and enjoyed the beautiful state of Montana as previous generations had. When her kids were grown and serving in the military, she was able to travel all over the US, including Hawaii, and Europe. She travelled to ND on several occasions with her sisters, daughter and granddaughter to see the old Thomas homestead and research her family history.

 Rosie was a pillar of the Lolo and Woodman communities for most of her life. She was active in the Woodman Women’s Club, Woodman and Lolo schools as a parent and later classroom Grandma. Her strong work ethic and social nature kept her working, until she decided to officially retire at 80. Rosie worked at Johnson’s Grocery at age 17, Safeway, Piney Woods, 2J’s, manager at the first Dollar Store, Shopko, Christopher & Banks. Even as an older employee she was still climbing ladders and lifting heavy boxes. Her last job was at Lolo Elementary School where she was a helper with children that needed a little more assistance in math and reading. She loved being a Grandma to all her students. She was amazing and loved all her jobs.

 Rosie was an exceptional baseball player, avid bowler, a passionate gardener, and enjoyed weekly volley ball games into her 70s. In her later years she enjoyed visits from her family, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rosie and Russell’s home was the gathering place for Christmas and family dinners. Rosie was an excellent cook and baker. She made amazing cookies, delicious cinnamon rolls, and great pies.

 She is preceded in death by her sweetheart, Russell Cromwell; son Brian Cromwell; grandson Russell Eugene Cromwell; parents George and Theresa Thomas; sisters Pauline Miller, Annie Magee, Betty Cromwell, Margaret Eskridge; brothers Frank Thomas and Bill Thomas. 

 She is survived by her children Kathy Christian (Alan) of Missoula and Rod Cromwell (Marion) of Yelm WA; Darla James (Leon) of St Regis, whom she considered a daughter; her grandchildren Eric Cromwell (Monika) of Missoula, Lindsey Oberquell (Jason) of Lolo Creek, Aaron Christian of Bozeman, Anthony Cromwell of Bremerton WA, Amber Noy (Blake) of Billings, Cory Cromwell of Missoula, Evan James of Missoula, Sarah Allen of Council Grove IA, Royce Williams of Maysville NC; great-grandchildren Abigail, Bergen, Hailey, Avarie, Taelyn, Landon, Lanita, Anna, and Thor; siblings George Thomas (Sandy) and Kenny Thomas (Penny); longtime friend Hester Clark; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a Memorial Service for Rosie and Russell Cromwell and Little Russell Cromwell on Saturday, August 24th at 2:00, at the Garden City Mortuary on Brooks and Mullan. We hope family and friends will share memories, laughs and a light lunch.