Rosetta June 'Rose' Kelley Cariker

(May 7, 1943 ~ May 26, 2025)

Rose, daughter of Jack D. Kelley and Rosa Lee Snodgrass, married to Donald Lee Cariker.

Rose Cariker, 82, passed away May 26, 2025, at St. David’s Hospital in Round Rock, TX, after bravely facing health challenges over the years.

Born in Abilene, TX in 1943, Rose was the eldest daughter of Jack Kelley and Rosa Lee (Snodgrass) Kelley. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Donald Lee Cariker; daughter Angela Rose Kelley; brothers James Kelley and Tim Kelley; sisters Sherry Aldridge and Jacquie Chrz; and a large extended family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, stepchildren, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, each of whom she cherished.

Rose grew up on a farm, where she pulled cotton, harvested from the family garden, and sold produce in town. She attended Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, TX through ninth grade when she left to help at home. As a young adult she worked at CG Conn assembling brass instruments and later with a maintenance crew for apartment complexes.

A gifted gardener and cook, Rose loved thrifting, treasure hunting, and playing water volleyball, winning several trophies with her team. She looked forward to family reunions and time with loved ones. Her late Yorkies, Muffin and Tess, were her beloved companions.

In her youth, Rose was a striking redhead with a sharp sense of humor and a love for music. In later years, she embraced many “firsts,” including her first flight and first library card. She continued to live fully, explore new interests, and connect with those she loved. She remained fiery and full of spirit until the very end.