Rose A. Wechter

Rose Wechter, Beloved mother of Laurie Wechter (Ted Sylvester) of Ann Arbor, Diane Wechter of Grand Rapids and Julie Wechter-Smith (Andy Smith), of Indianapolis, passed on October 16, 2013. Rose was known for her devotion to and pride in her daughters and her three grandsons (Justin Smith, Jordan Smith and Noah Vesper) and her many friendships. Rose grew up in Chicago and left to begin college at the University of Miami (Florida). She transferred to and graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Education. She was married to William Wechter in her sophomore year of college. Rose and Bill moved to California for Bill to complete his PhD in Chemistry and she then taught in the Culver City, California, schools for two years before starting a family. Rose and Bill moved back to the Midwest (Kalamazoo), where Bill worked for the Upjohn Company for many years. After raising her children, Rose returned to WMU, earning an M.A. in Education, specializing in the teaching of reading. She subsequently worked in the Galesburg, Michigan schools for 20 years. She also taught religious school for 11 years. Rose loved ballroom, line and contra dancing, travel, playing bridge, going to the beach in South Haven and yoga. She also loved the arts - theatre, movies, opera, symphony and reading. Rose volunteered for and was a member of many organizations including Hadassah, Temple B'nai Israel (Sisterhood), the Galesburg Schools Association, Kalamazoo Valley Science Museum, Kalamazoo County Democratic Party, and Parkview Hills. She also worked as a volunteer for the USTA Boy's and Junior's National Tennis Tournament for 30 years. Memorial contributions may be made the Susan G. Komen Southwest Michigan Foundation or Planned Parenthood. A luncheon for Rose's friends and family will be held in her honor Sunday, October 20 at 12:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Country Club. Please RSVP by noon Friday, October 18 to ajsmith5@sbcglobal.net