Rose Stoller

We are devastated to share that Rose Marie Stoller, age 61, died at her home in Bismarck on November 23, 2019. Rose chose to have her body cremated. As she requested, there will be no service.

Rose was born in Bismarck on July 16, 1958 to Hilbert Stoller and Maudie (Gimbel) Stoller. She completed all her schooling in Bismarck, graduating from Bismarck High School and receiving a Bachelor’s degree from what was then Mary College.

Throughout her life Rose worked at professions that served the needs of others. The first job we recall her having was as a waitress at Mr. Donut where, if she knew you well, she would serve you coffee and stir it as well. In her professional life she worked in Bismarck as a claims analyst for Social Security Disability, as a counselor/advocate for the developmentally disabled at West Central Human Service Center, as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in North Dakota and as the Executive Director of the Consensus Council.

Rose received the Mental Health Services Award from the North Dakota Psychiatric Society and the Welcome Back Award from the Eli Lily Company. She was a graduate of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber Leadership program, was a past Chair of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee, served on the Northern Plains Initiative (NPI) and Marketplace for Kids Boards of Directors along with serving on many governing and policy boards statewide and regionally. Rose was a founding member of the North Dakota Womens Network and served in the Bismarck-Mandan League of Women Voters.

In addition to her professional service to others, she shared her home with her mother for the last three years of Maudie’s life. During that time they shared an especially close and loving bond. She also shared special relationships with her stepson Matt and his son Stephan, who always adored her.

Rose loved life and was devoted to making the world a better place, especially for those who were disadvantaged in any way. These are some of the memories that best express who she was. From Teresa: “Rose was so compassionate and caring.  If she knew someone was stressed or needed help with problem-solving, she would ask how she could help... and meant it.  She had a keen eye for the big picture but never lost perspective of each individual.”  Chris described her as: “A woman who cared deeply for others, worked passionately for the causes she believed in, strived every day to make life better for those around her.” And from her cousin Joan: “Rose was funny, smart, caring and probably the strongest woman I know”.

Rose is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Sheldon Loftsgard of Bismarck; her half brother Ron Eggleston of El Mirage, AZ; her stepson, Matthew Ettl and his wife Oksana and son Stefan of Latvia and Belgium, as well as many, many loving relatives and friends.

Rose was preceded in death by all of her grandparents, by her father, Hilbert, and her mother, Maudie.

In addition to Rose’s love for her family, friends and life’s work, she loved animals, especially cats. If you wish to honor Rose’s life and memory, we suggest memorials to the Central Dakota Humane Society, 2104 37^th St, Mandan, ND 58554 or Oreos’s Rescue, 93 21^st St E, Dickinson, ND 58601.

Condolences may be sent to Loftsgards, 1616 Crane Drive, Bismarck, ND 58501.

My sister, I love you with heart and soul. Fly away to comfort and peace.