Rose Ellen Kaley

After several near-death experiences and health challenges through the years, Rose Ellen Kaley was finally called home on April 13, 2025. Her courageous fight demonstrates her strength, resilience, grit, and the sheer stubbornness those who knew her well have been privy to experience. For, like her namesake flower, Rose could be a little thorny – an attribute she was proud of – but also withstood life’s challenges and triumphs with grace and beauty of spirit.

Born Sept. 21, 1955, the third of five daughters, to William and Lenore (Ole) Kaley in Chokio, Minn., she grew up in the Midwestern farmlands among a close-knit family and community. Following high school, she earned a business degree at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn.

Rose moved to Sanibel Island, Fla., in 1980, where she rose to the position of bar manager at the legendary McT’s Shrimphouse and later continued in the hospitality business until her return to school to study for a degree in Respiratory Therapy at Edison State College. She graduated at the top of her class with honors. During those school years , her classmates recognized her for her keen mind and willingness to always help others with their learning.

Rose worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 25 years (1994-2019) at Gulf Coast Medical Center until her retirement due to health complications. During her work years, she enjoyed traveling with friends and family – mostly to sunny locales, where she loved the beach. Her time living on Sanibel Island and in the Fort Myers area afforded her many hours enjoying her happy place whenever she could. Her family came often to visit from their cold homelands and revel in the warmth of Florida sunshine and sisterly love.

Rose passed away peacefully in her home near Sanibel two-and-a-half years after she also had survived the monstrous Hurricane Ian, which deeply flooded her first-floor condo while she sheltered there. Rose was a survivor in every sense of the word. She was a leader, sharp-witted, unafraid to express her opinions, fun, and kind-hearted despite hurdles and challenges.

Rose is preceded in death by her parents and survived by all four sisters: Ann (Bob) Benson of Stillwater, Minn.; Sandy (David Robley) Tubbs of Alexandria, Minn.; Barbara (Joe Staebler) Kaley of Winthrop, Washington; and Mary (Tom) Bjornsen of Winthrop, Washington. She found great joy in spending time with her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. Her sisters’ children stayed very close to “Aunt Rose,” including Lyndsay Tubbs, Tyler Tubbs, Kaley Johnsen, Sadie Maubet, and Erik Bjornsen. Rose dearly loved her grand-niece Sawyer Tubbs and Lena Bjornsen; and grand-nephews Cayson Tubbs, Carter and Brody Johnsen, and Emil and Leo Maubet.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials in Rose’s name be made to the American Red Cross or the charity of the donor’s choice.