Rosalie Mae Staples, 84, of Mears, passed away Monday, July 27, 2026. She was born September 20, 1941, in Hart, the daughter of Lawrence and Verda (Pettigrove) Lipps.

Rosalie was a woman whose heart had room for everyone. She loved unconditionally, never met a stranger, and believed that kindness should be given freely. That love extended not only to family and friends but to every animal she met. She proudly referred to herself as "Grandma" to everyone's pets, greeting each one with the same affection she gave the people she loved.

Nothing brought Rosalie more joy than her family. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, taking an active role in their lives and creating memories they will treasure forever. She shared a beautiful life with her beloved husband, Earl, and some of her happiest days were spent by his side. Whether they were tending their garden, canning tomatoes to share as Christmas gifts with family, shopping in Ludington, or enjoying their traditional Dairy Queen treat for the ride home it was the simple moments together that meant the most.

In her later years, Rosalie found great peace in taking scenic drives along the Lake Michigan shoreline with her daughter, Tina. Watching the sun set over the water became one of her favorite pastimes, reminding everyone around her to slow down and appreciate life's quiet beauty.

Music was woven into the fabric of Rosalie's life. It was truly in her soul. She loved all kinds of music, especially Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, gospel, oldies, and country. Live performances brought her endless happiness, and she especially looked forward to the musical events at the medical care facility. She amazed everyone with her ability to remember every word to the songs she loved, singing along with joy and enthusiasm. While others watched television, Rosalie chose music. It filled her room, lifted her spirit, and brought comfort to every day.

Rosalie also found great joy in nature, especially the birds she loved to feed and watch. She and Earl spent years identifying the many visitors to their feeders with a well-loved bird guide. Later, her family honored that passion by creating a flower and bird garden outside her window at the facility. It became her own little piece of heaven—a place where birds gathered, flowers bloomed, and everyone who passed by was reminded of the beauty, warmth, and gentle spirit that defined Rosalie's life.

Rosalie loved spending time with her family, and some of their favorite moments together were gathered around a table working on jigsaw puzzles. She especially treasured the personalized photo puzzles made from cherished family pictures. Once completed, they were carefully glued together and proudly displayed on the walls of her room, surrounding her with the faces and memories she loved most. She also looked forward to playing cards with her brother, Kenny, sharing laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of being together.

Rosalie will be remembered for her boundless love, her gentle heart, her joyful singing, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the memories she created, and the love she so freely gave to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

I think this captures not only what Rosalie enjoyed, but who she was—a woman who found extraordinary joy in ordinary moments and made everyone around her feel loved.

Rosalie is survived by: her children, Katrina Fessenden, Daniel Staples, Allen (Jessica) Staples, Kevin (Karen) Staples; grandchildren, Benjamin Staples, Jessie Staples, Meika Bue, Alex Staples, Josephine Staples, Nikki Stapel, and Jordyn Staples; brother, Kenneth Lipps.

Rosalie was preceded in death by: her parents, Lawrence and Verda; husband, Earl Staples; sister, Marjorie Webster; brother, Herbert Lipps; and grandson, Michael Allen.

Cremation has taken place; services are to be scheduled at a later date.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com