Rose Mary Herrera Frias

Rose Mary Herrera Frias, “Favorite Auntie Rosie,” 69-years young, was welcomed to her heavenly home into the arms of Jesus on April 24, 2023. It is believed it was the result of getting up at 4 AM to fix herself a cup of coffee. She’s the only person we know that would do so, occasionally. After carrying her coffee cup to her bedroom, after a few sips and lying back down on her bed, she decided she needed to give her sister Alice a good scare. Rosie has left behind a heck of a lot of stuff, and we have no idea what to do with it. If you’re looking for some packets of mild sauce from Taco Bell, a bunch of socks without partners, and new bras with the tags still attached, she certainly has it all. Please wait until a respectable and appropriate amount of time has passed and get in touch. Tomorrow would be fine. Seriously, this is not an ad for an estate sale (IYKYK) but an obituary for a fun-loving, opinionated, vivacious, high-maintenance woman, sister, favorite auntie, cousin, and friend to many. Our inside family joke was that were three things to keep in mind about Rosie: the right way, the wrong way and the Rosie-way. And, one didn’t dare debate her when she said things the Rosie-way. Rosie was born on September 19, 1953, to her tired mom Candelaria Bernal Herrera, her stressed dad Alphonse Herrera, and was welcomed home by anxious older sister, Rebecca (Becky). She often introduced herself and her two sisters as the voluptuous, pretty one (herself), the brains, Becky, and the annoying little sister, Alice. Rosie and brother Michael were thick as thieves growing up, especially in their high school years. She was also close with older sister Becky. Their tales of missing curfew when they were young and single, returning home half-buzzed after a night of partying, are legendary. Ask the neighbors. Rosie graduated from Westport High School in 1971 after finally focusing on her studies instead of the boys. Fast forward to meeting the man of her dreams, Richard Frias, whom she married in 2005 because the Frias name would move her closer to the front of the alphabet. She was a devoted wife and caretaker for Rick, especially during his last years when his health declined. Rosie selflessly cared for many patients and clients in private in-home care and at several area nursing homes, retiring from Santa Marta Senior Living Community. Favorite Auntie Rosie had a strong, Catholic faith. She often embarrassed us with her incessant chants of, “Anthony, Anthony, something’s been lost and must be found.” We finally realized Anthony was Saint Anthony, and not the (heating and plumbing) technician you can trust with your house keys. Well life happens, one thing led to another, a few years passed, and along came ovarian cancer in 2017. Rosie very stubbornly and hardheadedly challenged her doctors who told her she was seriously ill, always denying, and keeping up a cheerful outlook. Her positivity was infectious. Rosie was always the life of the party, whether or not she was invited. A huge thank you to sister Alice and husband JW for their unwavering care and support for Rosie. Thank you to nieces Staci and Valeri for their phone calls, cards, and visits. Thanks to brothers Michael, Andy, Ed, and John for assisting with taking her to appointments, and particularly for calling to check in on her. Much love and appreciation to Aunt Angie Belen for her prayers and for staying in touch with Rosie. Our gratitude to Rosie’s dear friends Charmain and Gala. She enjoyed her outings, lunches, and visits with you. Thank you to Teresa and Cathy for welcoming her into your social circle at The Locale. There are far too many to thank, and it is not our intention to omit anyone. More importantly, Rose Mary was a loving mother to her precious baby daughter Veronica Eileen, who, sadly, passed away in infancy. Rosie was predeceased by husband Richard Frias, parents Alphonse and Candelaria Herrera, sister Rebecca Herrera Salazar, brother Thomas Herrera, and infant niece Jennifer Herrera. Our beloved Favorite Auntie Rosie is dearly missed by marvelous sister Alice and husband JW, favorite brothers Michael, Andy, Ed (Margaret) and John (Yvette); and, awesome nieces Staci (Mike), Valeri (Andrew), and special niece, Diana (Hector). Numerous other wonderful nephews, nieces, a great-niece, and several great-nephews, also miss their Favorite Auntie Rosie. Our gratitude to the fantastic medical team at Advent Healthcare for their exemplary care especially to Dr. C. Lilly, Oncology Unit Nurses Julia, and Dawn, and Social Worker Jennifer. Thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Luke’s Hospice House, especially Nurses Anne and Claire, and Michelle. We will always remember your very loving care, compassion and support. Rest in God’s eternal light and peace, Favorite Auntie Rosie. You are so very loved, and we look forward to being reunited one day. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday morning, May 11, 2023, at Rose Mary’s parish, St. Pius X Catholic Church in Mission, Kansas. Private burial at a later date. Thank you Father Gerard and staff for your prayers and support. Your expressions of love, kindness and support have been a huge comfort. “Por siempre en nuestros corazones”

Rose Mary Herrera Frias

September 19, 1953 - April 24, 2023