Born in Brooklyn, New York, Rose lived a full and meaningful life. Throughout the years, she called many places home, including Michigan, Texas, Missouri, and finally Oklahoma, where she settled and built lifelong friendships that became like family.
Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman John Rice; her parents, Josephine and Thomas Muscolino; and her brother, Alfred Muscolino.
She is lovingly survived by her sister, Diana; her brothers, Richard and Andy; a large extended family; and countless friends and neighbors who loved her dearly and will deeply miss her.
Rose believed in the value of hard work and took pride in every job she held. Throughout her life, she served in many different roles, including caring for patients in a hospital, participating in mission work, working in a boat manufacturing plant in Michigan, working at a movie theater, and doing the farm work she truly loved. Later, she worked alongside her husband while he was employed at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, Oklahoma. No matter the task, Rose gave her very best and approached every responsibility with dedication and integrity.
She cherished her faithful dog, Jack, who was her constant companion and brought her great comfort and joy.
For the last eighteen years, Rose was able to live independently because of the exceptional care and support provided by her devoted home care workers. She was also deeply grateful for her church family, whose love, encouragement, and fellowship enriched her life. They welcomed her into every aspect of church life, ensuring she remained connected, involved, and surrounded by caring hearts.
In her final days, Rose was lovingly cared for by the compassionate staff at Pocola Health and Rehab. They treated her with kindness, dignity, and genuine affection, making her feel like family. Rose returned that love by forming meaningful friendships with those who cared for her, friendships that will long be remembered.
Rose will be remembered as a truly one-of-a-kind woman whose faith, strength and humor touched everyone she met. Even through pain and illness, she maintained an infectious sense of humor and a joyful spirit. Friends often described her as “a hoot,” and she had a remarkable gift for bringing laughter wherever she went.
Her life was a testimony of faith, service, perseverance, hard work, and unconditional love. Though she will be greatly missed, the legacy she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Viewing and visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Pocola Funeral Home, family will not be present. Family will be present at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 8th for viewing and visitation.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Evans & Miller Chapel in Pocola, Oklahoma, with Dr. James Parsley and Pastor Mickey Ellis officiating.
Private family only burial will follow at Monroe Cemetery in Monroe, Oklahoma, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Poteau Valley Baptist Church or Gideons International in Rose’s memory.
John 3:16 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Online condolences may be left at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com
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