Eleanor Merle Rose, age 90, of Hillsboro, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at her residence. Her family will host a celebration of life at a later date. Parkway Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Mrs. Rose was born July 25, 1935, to Eugene and Mamie Norman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Ed Rose; parents; brother, Sonny Norman; and sisters, Elizabeth Stephens and Betty Norman. Merle Rose was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother in the world. She loved her family dearly and she had lots of love to go around for her friends too. She always said that you couldn’t have enough love. She was married 54 years to her sweetheart, Charlie Ed, before the Lord called him home. She loved her cats, Chessie and Joy, and also her adult coloring. She was a member of Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church (1984) where she loved her church family. She closed her eyes on earth and opened them in Heaven with our Lord.
She is survived by her sons, Michael Rose (Jennifer) and Mitchell Rose; daughter, Carolyn Rickelmann (Larry); daughter and son-in-law of her heart, Kathy and Ronnie Alexander; granddaughter, Rebecca Rickelmann (Bryan); great-grandchildren, Gia and Ryan; and a host of nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Chalybeate Springs Baptist Church.
