Rose Marie Schwab

June 7, 1942 - February 24, 2019

Rose Marie Schwab, 76, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Ottumwa died Sunday, February 24, 2019, surrounded by her family at her home in Oskaloosa. She was born June 7, 1942, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Lewis and Margaret Miller Gray. She graduated from Ottumwa Heights Catholic High School with the class of 1960. Following high school, she worked at the Wapello County Courthouse in the Treasurers Office. In 1965, she was united in marriage to Jack Barnett. To this marriage four children were born, Jeff, Jerry, John, and Julie. Rose and Jack later divorced. She worked various places in Ottumwa including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Universal-Rundle Manufacturing. In 1981, she moved to Oskaloosa and took a job at Chief Mahaska Restaurant, she worked there until it closed. Last she worked at Hardees in Oskaloosa retiring from there as the assistant manager. She was married to Clarence Schwab, they later divorced. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ottumwa. She was also an active member of the Fraternal Order Eagles, she held several local and state offices. Currently serving at the state level at the Inside Guard Officer. She enjoyed cooking, camping, and attending country music festivals. She delighted in spending time with her family. She had a servant heart and was always willing to organize and participate in fundraisers. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Her family includes her four children, Jeff (Tracy) Barnett of Ottumwa, Jerry (Idalia) Barnett of Delta, John Barnett (Dana Clemons) of Oskaloosa, and Julie (Larry) Brown of Ottumwa; 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; a brother, Lewis (Nancy) Gray of Roswell, Georgia; a sister, Regina (Brian) Garvey of Moose Lake, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews; and countless fellow Eagles and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 1, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ottumwa with Very Reverend Patrick Hilgendorf officiating. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Ottumwa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Thursday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives. At 7:00 Thursday evening the family and friends will pray the Rosary. On Friday morning from 10 until service time at 11:00 the family will be at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the family.