Mary Rose "Rosie" Leazer

Mary Rose “Rosie” Leazer went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 3, 2021, at 4:39 p.m. at Peace Hospice House in Great Falls, Montana. At 84 years old, Rosie entered her heavenly reward just under two months behind her husband of sixty-one years, Floyd “Buzz” Leazer. What a reunion they are enjoying! In addition, her homecoming was undoubtedly made more joyful by the presence of those who preceded her in death: her parents, Harold Henry Stevens and Mary Esther Houston Stevens; and two of her brothers, Harold “Corky” Stevens and Donald “Peanut” Stevens. Rosie was a multi-faceted woman, but one trait that easily stands out for those who knew her is just how much she valued relationships. First in importance was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She was saved in October 1969 and was forever after grateful for the mercy and grace of God. She was unshakeable in her faith which she nurtured through careful study of the Bible, listening to sermons, and discussing it in detail with family and friends. Her Bible was her favorite and most-used book. Out of the abundance of her love for Jesus, she was compelled to tell others about Him and above everything, wanted those she loved to know God and walk closely to Him. All who knew her can attest to her authentic and practical faith and how it infused everything she did. Rosie was devoted to her relationship with family. Born one of six children on March 1, 1937, in Ottumwa, Iowa, she remained acutely close to the family of her birth her entire life. She sincerely looked forward to each visit home. She had an exceptional love for her parents and siblings, remaining actively close to each as long as they were alive. Rosie and Buzz married on May 29, 1960, and created their own family over the ensuing years. Rosie was a thoughtful and sacrificial mother and grandmother. She never missed an extracurricular activity, and often stayed up late to help with projects or lend a hand in sewing a dress or costume. She also packed the most coveted lunches at Great Falls High for her son. Each of her children can remember her going without in order to supply that new dance costume or basketball shoe. She did not want them to feel deprived of things they needed, even when times were difficult. She even made a killer piece of toast, thick butter all the way to the edge, and for the rest of her life, laughingly bore that honor conferred on her by her elementary school son in a writing project entitled “Your Mother’s Best Meal.” Rosie valued relationships with other human beings. She loved nothing more than a deep and wandering conversation over a cup of coffee. She believed in investing in others’ lives. She was an extremely loyal person, unconditionally loving those she called her own. Even if you were far from her physically, you weren’t far from her heart; those who received a card or letter from her can be assured that she spent time, energy, and forethought into what she wrote and can attest that her writing sounded like she was there, speaking it to you. Oftentimes her writing took the reader on a walk down memory lane. She regularly covered every bit of the negative space on the paper with the thoughts she wanted to share with the recipient. She proclaimed love, commitment, and interest in both her spoken and written word. She and Buzz made their home an oasis for so many. She had the true gift of hospitality, instinctively knowing how to make others feel comfortable and at home in her space. She hosted countless visitors, as well as parties, get-togethers, and holidays in her home, where she could be seen not just prepping, but calmly sitting and talking with guests, relaxed, not needing to put on a show, but genuinely enjoying the together time with friends and family. Thus, a stay at her house was like an invitation to a relationship. She particularly loved the holidays and is fondly remembered for her potato and pumpkin breads, broccoli soufflé, creamy pumpkin pie, and the scrumptious, soft apples in her apple pie, a particular favorite with her husband! A fond remembrance of Rosie includes other things that made her so unique and lovable. She had an appreciation of all the fine arts. She especially adored music and seemed to have an ongoing playlist in her head, as she would break into a song that was appropriate for any number of special occasions, random happenings, or even in response to someone’s name. She had a special place in her heart for animals. She spent hours in the blue room watching the birds and squirrels interact. She particularly loved dogs and was so tender in spirit toward them, both her own and other people’s pets. She loved to learn and never stopped learning things. Her family would frequently get texts asking questions she thought they might know or be able to look up for her. She was a beautiful study in contrasts:tender but feisty, loving but tough, humorous but sincere, proud but humble, and stubborn but soft in heart. She was one-of-a-kind. Rosie is profoundly missed by her surviving family members, her children, Charles (Vera) Leazer, Shawna (Dana) Skoog, Stacy Smith, and Shane (Tina) Leazer; grandchildren, Andrea (Dave) Johnson, Arianna Skoog, Karrin Leazer, and Kyrsten Leazer; and great-grandchildren, Roman, Zella, Zoey, and Luka Johnson; remaining brother, Floyd “Skipper” Stevens; and sisters, Patty McDowell and Marilyn Link. We mourn the loss of a great woman, while rejoicing that she is now pain and sorrow-free and exactly where she wants to be. We anticipate the day of being together again to enjoy a renewed relationship in heaven.