Rosalee P. Holdeman

Rosalee P. Toews Holdeman was born at the family home near Middleton, Michigan, to Peter and Hattie (Peters) Toews on March 21, 1934. She slipped away quietly and alone in her home on November 22, 2021. She lived a full and active life until the moment the angels carried her away. Rosalee made life-long friends during her school years at the Bovee School and Fulton High School. She was converted at a young age and baptized Feb. 22, 1948, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Harry Harms. She was faithful to the end. She often shared her burdens and worries with others, and would take them to the Lord in prayer. She found inspiration in the words of song and Scripture. She was a well-loved nurse in local hospitals where she worked for many years. In October of 1960 she went to Mexico and gave herself to the mission work for nine years. She loved the people and learned their language well. On Sept. 28, 1997, Rosalee was married to Neil Holdeman, and moved to Cyrus, Minnesota. These years were a highlight in her life, gaining her a new family, complete with children and grandchildren. Neil’s family was special to her, and she accepted and loved them as her own. She enjoyed working with Neil on woodworking projects and being Grandma to the small congregation at Starbuck. They shared life together for over fifteen years, until Neil’s passing in June of 2013, after which she moved back to her home in Michigan. The Toews family lovingly treasures memories of Rosalee as a very special sister and aunt. She was very hospitable, making delicious meals and cookies to share with others. Rosalee believed in prayer, praying often for her family and others. When the family was together, she would express that the most important thing is that we all meet in Heaven. Left with special memories are her siblings: Ted Toews, Bowersville, Georgia; Robert and Betty Toews, Ithaca, Michigan; Mary and Richard Trgina, Midland, Michigan; Kathy and Roger Leatherman, Brooksville, Mississippi; John and Thelma Toews, Bradley, Arkansas; sister-in-law, Lois Holdeman, Louisiana; her nieces and nephews; stepchildren: Mary Ainsworth, Columbus, Georgia; Bob and Barb Holdeman, Avera, Georgia; Sharon and Keith Koehn, Ogallala, Nebraska; Dennis and Lana Holdeman, Sedalia, Kentucky; ten grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, and many friends. Those gone before are her husband Neil, parents, one sister, one sister-in-law, one brother-in-law, and one stepson-in-law, and Neil’s brothers and sisters. A funeral service will be held at the Newark Mennonite Church, 3446 S. Alger Rd., Ithaca, MI, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 10:30 AM with Ministers Doug Salsbury, Don Gable, and Keith Litwiller officiating. Visitation will be Monday, November 29, at the church from 2 PM – 4 PM and from 6 PM – 8 PM. Interment will take place after the funeral service at the Hayes Road Cemetery. Those desiring may make donations in memory of Rosalee to Maple View Retirement Community, 4396 S. Luce Rd, Ithaca, MI 48847.