ROSALIE ANNA GANE

Rosalie Anna Gane, 92, of Alpena, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at Besser Senior Community.

Rosalie Anna Garber was born on Dec. 3, 1931, in Chicago, to the late John and Rosalie (Lehr) Garber. With a strong sense of style dating back to her days in ballet, Rosalie wore flashy, yet elegant clothing, jewelry, and hats that matched her personality – even accessorizing with bright orange fingernail polish. That same elegance lent itself to lavishly decorating her home with figurines, lamps, and chandeliers. This was never more apparent than the Christmas season, which she celebrated from September to January and included her trademark sea of poinsettia plants.

She met her beloved Walter while waitressing at the Big Boy restaurant he frequented, and he quietly swept her off her feet in storybook fashion. Their 27-year journey of love and life took them to Scottsdale for 12 years where they enjoyed lounging by the pool in the Arizona weather, before moving back to Michigan to be closer to Rosalie’s adult children, Bob and Lenore.

Rosalie also loved dogs and spoiled each one of hers at every opportunity. Over their respective years, King, Prince, and Rex were always at her side, tails wagging next to their favorite companion. Later in life, she became an avid baseball fan cheering for the Arizona Diamondbacks, which included a chance meeting with superstar pitcher Randy Johnson while strolling through the airport. Upon returning to Michigan, she adopted the Detroit Tigers.

Always fiercely independent, Rosalie did things her way her entire life. This included easily mowing her lawn in Alpena with a push mower at the age of 89 – a feat her neighbors marveled at and in which she took great pride. Another sign of the strength she displayed throughout her life.

Surviving are her children, Robert (Patti) Martinez, Lenore (Dewayne) Ross; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Walter, grandson John Paul Martinez, and a brother, John Garber.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at the Bannan Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Giovanna Meek officiating.

Interment: Woodcrest Cemetery – Davison

Memorials: Compassus Hospice