Rose Ethel (Fast) Funk Epp, 95, of Buhler, Kansas, passed away June 13, 2022 at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community. She was born October 7, 1926 in Liberal, Kansas, the daughter of David D. and Elizabeth (Suderman) Fast.
She grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Hardesty High School in 1945. Rose attended Tabor College and Wichita State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. She was a devoted homemaker, mother, grandmother, teacher, and gardener.
Rose most wanted to be remembered for her faith, hope, and love. She became a follower of Jesus at 12 and was baptized at 14. She was an active member of Open Bible Mennonite Brethren (MB) Church, First MB Church (Wichita), and Buhler MB Church. She loved singing hymns, reading the Bible, and praying.
Rose was united in marriage to Cornelius J. Funk Jr. on August 21, 1952 in Hooker, Oklahoma. They had 5 children: Janice (Paul) Smith of Siloam Springs, AR; Mary (Jason) Trego of Thompson Falls, MT; Laura (Craig) Peterson of Meridian, ID; Joel (Annette) Funk of Siloam Springs, AR; and Mark (Denise) Funk of Surprise, AZ. Cornelius passed away March 7, 1995. Rose later married Harold Epp on May 31, 2003. He passed away on January 19, 2021.
In addition to her children, Rose is survived by 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Viola Funk of Corn, OK; brothers, Harold (Ann) Fast of Hillsboro and Jake (Mary Jane) Fast of Guymon, OK; Harold’s children, Beverly (Mike) Sullivan, Nancy (Paul) Belknap, David (Arlene) Epp and Paul (Hildy) Epp; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Rose was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Mildred Rosendale and David Fast. She loved and was deeply loved by many family and friends.
The visitation is scheduled on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 2 to 2:45 pm at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 US-54, Wichita, KS 67209. Burial will follow at 3 pm, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory Cemetery. The memorial service will be held Sunday, June 19 at 2 pm at Buhler MB Church and livestreamed at www.facebook.com/BuhlerMBChurch.