Mildred Rossa Carroll, of Sheridan, passed away at Green House Living.
Millie hated the winter and chose to leave us amid the snow and cold on December 24th, 2017. A loving heart and generous spirit danced home after 96 years.
An Iowa farm girl by birth, that aspect of her childhood was never shaken from her soul. Pigs of all varieties, crystal, ceramic and pewter, decorated her home, as did her ever present smile. Those who knew her will recall that a smile was her resting state. She was patient, generous, and nonjudgmental to everyone she met. As a child of the depression, born July 30, 1921, Millie never left behind the lessons of the thrift and waste. She threw nothing away. Any sturdy plastic container with a lid was washed, reused and retired to a well organized cabinet in her kitchen. The good china was admired, inexpensive dishes were used. Her frugality was paralleled only by her generosity, as she gave regularly to a myriad of charities.
The sixth of seven children, Millie arrived in Wyoming in 1937 with her parents and two siblings. She graduated from Big Horn High School in 1939 as the valedictorian. When asked about that particular honor many years later, she simply said, “Well, it was a pretty small school. It had to be, because I made the basketball team at five foot two inches.”
Marriage came in 1941. Mildred Klepinger became Mildred Rossa, the wife of Charles Rossa. Two children came from this marriage-Janie in 1944 and Rick in 1949. After the war, she and Charlie started the Auto Electric Service, at which they worked, struggled and grew until 1980. They then sold the business and retired. One year later, after 40 years of marriage, Charlie passed away. In 1984 Millie then married Dr. Bob Carroll. They spent six years in a whirlwind of travel and adventure until Bob’s passing.
Millie committed her time and energy for the next 20 years volunteering at the Senior Center, St. Peter’s Church and Lunch Together. She was a loving, caring mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Aside from her two beloved husbands, she loved music, dancing, gardening and her one constant hobby-people. She had an almost visceral fear of bears.
In addition to her two husbands, she was predeceased by all of her siblings. The death of her daughter, Janie, in 1962 left a void that she seldom discussed, but that those close to her knew would never be filled. We smile, now, as we imagine their heavenly reunion. Millie’s legacy includes her son Rick (Liz), granddaughter Lisa Rossa, grandson Brad Rossa (Katie), great granddaughter Amelia, and stepsons Pete and Mike Carroll.
Services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, January 5, 2018 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with Father John Inserra officiating with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Private inurnment in the Masonic Circle will follow the reception.
If desired, donations in her honor may be given to the Janie Rossa Memorial Music Scholarship at Sheridan College, c/o Sheridan College Foundation, P.O. Box 6328, Sheridan, WY 82801 (indicate on the check that the donation goes to the Janie Rossa Memorial) or to the Sheridan County Fulmer Library at 335 W. Alger, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
