Obituary of Rose Schenck

Rose Teresa (Kaletz) Schenck transcended from life on earth to peace in heaven, July 8, 2008, in Plainview, TX. Funeral services were held at 10:00 am Friday, July 11, 2008, in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jimmy Cameron officiating. Burial followed in the Hale Center Cemetery under the direction of Abell Funeral Home of Hale Center, TX. Rose Teresa began her book of life, August 10, 1920 in Chicago, IL. She was one of ten born to the late Catherine and Joseph Kaletz. Rose graduated from Catholic School in Chicago, IL. Rose Teresa was wife, mother, friend and colleague. Her spirit was unmatched and her enthusiasm contagious. Rose Teresa is survived by her husband of 67 years, John Edward Schenck, Sr., three children, daughter, Koenia Rose Byrd of Mt. Enterprise, TX and 2 sons, John Edward Schenck, Jr. of Hideaway, TX, and James Joseph Schenck of Amarillo, TX, 7 grandchildren, Carol Lynn, Teresa Rose, Sharron Lee, Jeffery John, Natali Rose and Alexander James, 7 great grandchildren, Carrie Marie, Rachael Rose, Kayla Rose, Terra Rose, Robert, Janssen Rose and Jess Moody. There are many nieces and nephews. Rose Teresa had many chapters in her book of life beginning with joining the circus at the age of 15. She traveled all over the country. She was a gifted circus performer. Her talents included, performing with horses, elephants, tumbling, high wire trapeze; she also worked with Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Clyde Beatty, Emmett Kelly and Milton Berle. She met and married, John (who was also on the circus)on August 31, 1940. World War II came about and while awaiting John's return from the U.S. Marines serving in the Pacific, Rose and their two children, Koenia and Johnny, remained in Rochester, IN where she worked as a cutter in a garment factory. After the War they moved to Clovis, NM and tried to raise rabbits and chickens. John was hired by Southwestern Public Service and was moved to Littlefield, TX, then to Olton, TX, and finally to Hale Center in 1965. Rose Teresa worked in the Olton, Hale Center and Plainview newspaper offices. She decided to go back to school; enrolling in an LVN Nursing Program. Rose worked as an LVN at Hi-Plains Hospital, Hale Center, TX until she retired at the age of 73. Rose Teresa had many hobbies, such as sewing, knitting, crocheting and loved playing bridge. After retiring she would visit senior citizen shut-ins making sure all was OK in their lives. In 2003, Rose Teresa's final chapter was set in motion. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and entered in Prairie House Nursing Facility until her final curtain. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Hale Center Senior Citizens, 416 W. 2nd, Hale Center, TX 79041 Abell Funeral Home