Rosie Hollingshead

Roberta “Rosie” Rosalea Hollingshead was born October 4, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa to Allen and Gladys Sample. Rosie was a lifelong resident of the Des Moines area. She graduated from East High School in Des Moines and married Marvin Wendell Hollingshead on August 10, 1952, after getting to know each other by attending the same little neighborhood church. Together they raised three children, Judy, Tom, and Charles. Rosie loved her family above all else and dedicated herself to being a homemaker and a loving wife and mother. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved to vacation with family in Missouri at their lake cabin, where they would fill hours with waterskiing, bike riding, and baking. They made friends with all their neighbors and many fond memories were made there.

Rosie enjoyed being outdoors, camping, boating, and fishing, mostly because her husband loved it so much and in Rosie’s words, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!” She had a giving heart and was very involved in her church’s activities, with her women’s circle, and volunteer organizations. She gave her time to mission trips and outreach programs through Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, and to the Red Cross, most notably following Hurricane Katrina, helping families settle into large facilities for shelter.

Rosie was always doing for other people and many lovingly called her their “Aunt Rosie”. She was a good cook and her pies, wacky cakes, and the many spaghetti dinners for family that she held will always be remembered.

Rosie passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Valley View Village in Des Moines at the age of 91.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Judy Lingren; son, Tom Hollingshead (Laura); ten grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and her nieces, nephews, other extended family, and friends.

Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin; son, Charles; great-grandson, Josiah David Lingren; parents, Allen and Gladys Sample; and her brothers, Richard and Clarence Sample.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Berwick Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Sheridan Park United Methodist Church, where Rosie was a faithful longtime member since its early beginnings, or to Valley View Village in appreciation of the many loving staff who cared for Rosie and became friends to her in her time there in memory care.

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