Rebecca Rose Marie (Nee Pelky) Johnson “Rose”
(August 19, 1951 – June 13, 2023)

Rose Johnson of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at
the Innisfail Hospital on June 13, 2023, at the age of
71. Our profound thanks to the staff for their care
and comfort of Rose in her final days. We are also
grateful for others helping with her care, including
friends and family. Special thanks to Rose’s Church
congregation (1st Ward) for helping to organize the
funeral.

She is predeceased by her husband David Franklin
Johnson in 2015; her Parents Charles Phillip Pelky in
1995 and Muriel Hazel Walther in 1975; Mother-inlaw Eva Morris in 2020; Father-in-law Frank Johnson
in 1985; Sister-in-law Valerie Smart in 2013. She is
survived by her children Brian (Dawn), Douglas (Danielle), Karen Davis (Tyler) and Owen. She is
also lovingly remembered by her grandsons Tyler Johnson, Hunter Johnson, and Warren Davis;
Granddaughters Valerie Davis and Natalie Davis; Niece Sydney (Carl); Brother-in-law Clifford
(Gail) and Sister-in-law Beverly Johnson, Lifetime Friend Maureen Boswell, and beloved pet Dog
and companion J.J. Rose was born in Ontario in 1951. She grew up travelling with her parents across Canada in
various locations due to her father’s work in construction until they settled in Sylvan Lake. There
Rose made lifelong friends with Maureen Boswell. Rose graduated from High School as
Valedictorian. She once won an essay writing contest where she won a trip through the Rotary
club to Ottawa. She was engaged in Grade 12 to David Johnson.
Rose and David were married on July 10, 1970, at the Shady Nook Community Centre. Their first
home was in Sylvan Lake. This led to other moves to the countryside which eventually led to
Bentley, Alberta from 1985 to 1999 where they raised their 4 children.
Rose and David wanted to instill hard work that could be found in the rural lifestyle. There they
raised a variety of livestock including goats, cattle, chickens, pigs, among others. They were
involved in volunteering in goat shows. They would also sell eggs and goat milk. Rose became
very crafty where she would make various decorations and sell them at local farmers markets.
Rose and David fostered a number of Children in their early years together. They were
important in these young children’s lives.
Rose worked hard as a home maker, making homemade meals from scratch, bread, and other
baked goodies, making goat cheese with homegrown milk and even homemade ginger beer. Her
famous Rhubarb cobbler was a favourite that when made, was quickly devoured as it was
incorporated in every meal until it was gone. She also took on other jobs along the way
including AMA and the Bentley Pizza Shop. She was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints volunteering in various callings. This was an important part of her life that
informed who she was that stayed with her to the very end.
When David struggled with his health, they end up having to move to Red Deer in 1999, where
Rose became David’s caregiver and raised the 2 youngest in Red Deer. Her home was always
open to her children even after they moved away, and she would do everything she could to
support them with their goals in life. From there she went back to school receiving her Bachelor
of Arts Degree in English in 2003. She went on to work in various places after this.
One notable area is that she became the Vice President for the Post Office Union in the Red
Deer region and then a Year as the President. She had the opportunity to use her degree to help
her as she traveled to Ottawa during this time to take part in negotiations with the employer to
help the employees with the benefits and working conditions. She did this all while caring for an
ill husband. She retired from the post office and spent her final days in her home living her
dream of having a library in her home and keeping a quiet home all while building her family
relationships. Due to her health, she spent the last 6 months of her life in a care facility in Red
Deer.
Rose was loved by all who knew her. She had many friends over the years. She loved to read,
play games, and finish puzzles. She enjoyed gardening and even landscaped her backyard. She
loved sitting in her pergola on warm days enjoying the flowers she planted. She loved the
outdoors. She was kind and loving. You could have an engaging and interesting conversation and
she had this way of making you feel important and cared for when you talked to her. She cared
for her family deeply and is very proud of their accomplishments. She gave her time and energy
to all those around her.
A memorial for Rose will be held on Wednesday June 21 at 1:00 pm at 3002 47 Ave, Red Deer,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bower Chapel, after which a luncheon will be
held in her honour. All are welcome to attend. An interment will be held later in a small family
gathering.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta who were key in her
comfort and care to the last days of her life, or any charity of choice

• Date : 2023-06-13
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home