Rosalea Kay (Mitchell) Stephens, 84, passed away on June 8, 2026, at Comfort Care Home in Newton, Kansas, surrounded by her family. Her faith and trust in Jesus were a source of comfort and a guiding force throughout her later years. Even as Alzheimer’s took much from her, she never lost sight of what mattered most. She had said, “God is everything! He IS The One - Jesus is it.”

Rosie was born on June 8, 1942, to Russell and Wilma (Martin) Mitchell in Neodesha, Kansas. Around the age of 12, her family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she later graduated from East High School in 1960. While working as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell, she met Denny Stephens at the Continental Grill while dragging Douglas. They were married on June 16, 1961, and were just one week shy of celebrating 65 years of marriage when Rosie passed away.

Rosie spent much of her adult life working in bakery departments at several grocery stores, many of those years in management. During the 1970s, she also drove a school bus for the Valley Center School District and was affectionately known by her bus kids as “Rose.”

Rosie embraced life with enthusiasm and had a wide variety of interests. She shared Denny’s love of fast cars, and some summers the two of them could be found drag racing at International Raceway. She loved bowling and spent many years on bowling leagues, first with her mother and later with her sons. She was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan for decades and an avid football card collector. Many afternoons were spent with one or more of her sons at Rock’s Dugout, searching for the next football card treasure.

When video games became popular in the 1980s, Rosie was immediately hooked. Her children and grandchildren have countless memories of playing Zelda, Mario Kart, and other games alongside her. She also shared a love of books with her daughter, and trips to Al’s Old Book Store often ended with stacks of books brought home to read and enjoy together. In later years, Rosie and Denny enjoyed spending weekends treasure hunting at garage sales.

And then there were the cats. Rosie loved cats and cared for more than anyone could possibly count throughout her lifetime. They always seemed to find a place in her home—and in her heart.

Above all, Rosie will be remembered for her love of family, her unwavering faith, and the many memories she created with those fortunate enough to know and love her. She didn’t know a stranger - Denny would say she could make a friend for life in a grocery store line. She was also one of the toughest people you could ever meet. Through life’s many challenges and difficult seasons, she kept going with strength, determination, and a sense of humor. Even in hard times, Rosie was quick to laugh and quick to smile. Her resilience, faith, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

She is preceded in death by her parents: Russell and Wilma Mitchell, her brothers: Russell and David Mitchell, and her sister, Pamela Pritchard.

She is survived by her husband, Denny; sister, Jeannie Manns; brother, Mark Mitchell; and children, Denise (Jonathan) Ensz, Brad (Shirley) Stephens, Eric (Tammy) Stephens, and Dennis (Allisan) Stephens.

Grandchildren: Michael Dukes, Brian (Taylor) Dukes, Danielle (Travis) Janzen, Colin Stephens, Sarah Stephens, Darin (Abby) Stephens, Taylor (Joel Branson) Stephens , Kelsey (Jack) McGowen, Samantha (Shawn) Calhoun, Leo Impellizzeri, Ashley (Jason) Chambers, Nathan Ensz

Great Grandchildren: Evan, Levi, Ava, and Sylvia Janzen. Kendall Rosalea, Emerson, Arven, and

Wilden McGowen, River Branson, Evie Chambers.

A memorial service will be held on June 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Newton Bible Church. Because Rosie loved blue jeans and Packers T-shirts, attendees should feel free to dress casually and comfortably.

Baker Funeral Home Valley Center - Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.