Though she didn’t set out to teach us anything, Rose Munoz taught us a lot. She taught us to be generous and share what we have, even if it may appear that we don’t have much to give. Her approach to life showed how we can make the most of our circumstances, even if they aren’t what we would hope for. Her example reminds us that complaining about things we can’t change is a waste of time and energy.
Rose died on Friday, April 9, after a decades-long battle with many serious health problems. Despite her poor health, Rose will be remembered most as a tough fighter against her illness and for her generous, cheerful manner and playful disposition. She loved to take care of people, and was known to use her non-dialysis days to cook meals for her family and friends. She loved having her brothers and sisters from her congregation drop in on Saturday mornings to take their coffee break in her living room. She would have plenty of cake, cookies and coffee for as many as wanted to drop in for a few minutes to say “Hi”.
Rose was born in Liberal, Kansas on May 1, 1949 to parents Raymond and Mary Chaffin. Rose was the sixth of nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Jim and Gene and sisters Freda and Lilian. She is survived by siblings Ellen, Burt, Joe and Betty, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and countless spiritual brothers and sisters. Although Rose never had children of her own, she was a loving mother to her nieces Susana and Alyja Almaraz and Marielena Tamayo.
On January 4, 2006, Rose married Antonio (Tony) Munoz, who survives. Those who know them well, know that Rose chose a good man. Tony has been devoted to caring for Rose for many years. Despite many challenges and difficulties, they enjoyed 15 years of married life.
As a young woman, Rose began to learn many exciting and important truths that the Bible teaches. She learned that God’s personal name is Jehovah and that he invites each of us to be his friend. Rose wanted to be Jehovah’s friend. On July 1, 1982 she was baptized as a servant of Jehovah.
The Bible’s promise that the earth will be turned back in to a paradise, with no more sickness or death, was an important part of Rose’s faith. (Revelation 21:4) She loved everything about the earth. She loved to sit in her house and watch the birds and squirrels play in her yard. (Isaiah 11:6-9) The Bible’s teaching that Jehovah will resurrect his faithful servants gave strength, comfort and hope to Rose. She went to sleep in death with absolute confidence that she will be awakened from death to enjoy life on earth as a young, healthy servant of Jehovah. (Isaiah 35:5, 6) Rose is waiting for her God to call her back to life. (Job 14:15)
A memorial service for Rose Munoz will be held by videoconference on Zoom at a time to be determined. For time and login details, please contact Rhonda Cogan at 620-663-1570.