A 50 year resident of Miles City, Rose Albin Waldo Caler passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 4, 2013. She was 89 years old. Rose was born on a homestead NW of Sidney, MT to Ira and Dalma Albin. A shy, freckle-faced girl, she was the youngest of 6 children and spent her young life herding sheep on the farm. As was the tradition on many homesteads, Rose helped out at the farm after 8th grade and resumed high school in town 4 years later. She graduated from Sidney High School at age 20. Rose told her daughters that she never enjoyed that outdoor farm work while growing up, or as she’d put it …. “men’s work in men’s clothes”. That influenced Rose for the rest of her life. When she was grown, she was glad to leave that outdoor work to the men and to always be dressed like a lady.
In 1944, Rose married Pat Waldo in Sidney, MT and together they had 6 children: Connie and Ginger came first, … then 6 years later, Kolleen and Cole … then 6 years after that, Tim and Tanala. They never wanted to raise a child without a close sibling playmate, so there were sets of 2 children every time. They lived in Glendive, MT for several years before moving to Miles City in 1956. Pat and Rose purchased the large green home that used to be next door to Stevenson and Son’s and raised their family there. They enjoyed many summer family evenings on the front porch of that home.
On August 10, 1966… the day of their 22nd wedding anniversary… Pat Waldo passed away at age 48. Rose was left a young widow at 42, with 5 children still at home. Their oldest daughter, Connie, was married at this time. To be home with her younger children, Rose… with the help of her mother… built extra bedrooms in the already large home and set up a boarding house for 8 extra high school kids. These kids came from eastern Montana ranches and wanted to go to Custer County High School. Imagine the lively household with 12 kids under one roof!! Rose was an outstanding cook and had breakfast, lunch and dinner ready for all 12 kids every weekday during the school year. Stories are still told of the mounded platter of hamburgers Rose would have prepared at lunch time, only to see them all devoured in a flash! The older kids helped the younger ones with the ‘house rules’ and everyone helped clear the table after each mealtime, before heading off to school. Rose changed linens on 13 beds every Friday and spent the weekend preparing for the students to return again on Sunday night. She continued boarding high school kids for several years.
An open home for guests and church friends was always found at Rose’s house. After ‘retiring’ from boarding students, Rose … with her brother, Paul… built a new house on the edge of Miles City. There, she maintained an acre of yard and garden, 2 apartments and cooked for a few years at the local VA hospital and Eagles Manor. Rose was always ambitious and independent. In her 70’s, she installed her own underground sprinkler piping and was so pleased to see how well it operated! Rose enjoyed simple things in life… sitting in a rocker on a porch, laughter, and chocolate!
After 16 years as a widow, Rose met and married Ralph Caler. They were together 12 years before he passed away.
At 79 years old, Rose called her children and asked them to move her to an apartment near family in Billings, as maintaining her home setting alone was becoming difficult. Her kids came quickly and helped sort through, minimize, and move Rose to Billings. Rose often said, “I’m sure glad I had kids!” Though hard to leave dear friends in Miles City, she enjoyed her independent senior apartment and had her 80th birthday celebration there. Rose also enjoyed her life-long skill of sewing into her 70’s.
In 2011, Rose’s health was diminishing and she became a resident of Aspen Meadows in Billings. During the last 4 years of her life, Rose was closely attended by her granddaughter, Buffy Stiles, and Buffy’s husband, Rick. Buffy and Rick took Rose to Sunday morning church, maintained her chocolate treats, and have spent countless hours sharing her company and monitoring her needs.
In the last few years, Rose would say “my memory is only a half-an-inch long”, but she still joined in when familiar hymns were sung and enjoyed hearing about the Bible and life stories. Her faith in God remained very strong, even though her body was weak. Though Rose couldn’t read the Bible any longer, there was constant evidence of her love for God, which had been in her heart since she professed to serve Him at age 30.
Rose was a valued mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend. Her example of walking with Christ also instilled a love for God in many who knew her. Even in her last days, the thoughts that came to Rose were of spiritual poems and hymns. Rose has reached the goal for which we all are striving. She has met our Heavenly Father.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents … her husband, Patrick Waldo … her oldest daughter, Connie Minkoff … her youngest daughter, Tanala … and her second husband, Ralph Caler. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Effie Savey, and Albin brothers, Paul, Dave, Don, and Ira Jr.
Rose is survived by 4 of her children: Ginger (John) Lawson, of Casper, WY… Kolleen (Butch) Forsyth, of Baggs, WY… Cole (Diane) Waldo, of Granite Falls, WA… Tim (Kathy) Waldo of Fort Benton, MT… and son-in-law Rich Minkoff of Billings, MT. Survivors also include Rose’s 13 grandchildren: Randy .. Ron .. Judd .. Amber .. Buffy .. Chantelle .. Grant .. Tawni .. Shanice .. Chase .. Natalie .. Reece and Tanner… her 13 great-grandchildren: Chelsea .. Madison .. Krueger .. Brooklyn .. Konnor .. Kiara .. Sierra .. Roc .. Wyatt .. Mya .. Milaya .. Milan and Gannet; and 1 great-great granddaughter: Alexa.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Rose will be laid to rest in the Custer County Cemetery next to her husband, Pat Waldo, and daughter, Tanala Rose Waldo. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday June 9, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 10, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday June 9, 2013
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Richard (Dick) Waldo says
I am so sorry for your loss, having just went through this with my Dad I know what you are feeling. My heart goes out to you all.
Dick
Beverly Harris says
I really enjoyed reading Rose’s story. We lived across the alley from Rose’s “large green home” back in the 70’s. I wish I had known her story then. She never missed coming to our garage sales and always bought the shoulder pads that I had taken out of old clothes. She always had a smile.
Minnie (Murray) Scholze says
Have been thinking of all of you since hearing of your Mother’s passing…I just enjoyed reading her obituary and all the memories it brought back for me…I know you will all miss her but glad she can go on to all that is better…enjoy your memories…with special sympathy…Minnie & Marv Scholze
Dale & Gladys Johnson says
I remember Rose so well from many years ago. The Albin family was close to our Ulshafer family. So there were many memories of pleasant times together. Rose always had such a great smile..I can just see her now. Love the picture of her sitting and smiling in the swing. So happy she accepted the greatest gift of all into her life..the true love of God. She will be missed. Deep sympathies from us
Dale & Gladys (Ulshafer) Johnson
Joan leinwand says
Enjoyed reading your Grandmother’s story Buffy. Just a wonderful life she had!
Condolences,
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Rose Albin Waldo Caler – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Caler. God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 24:33) Also be comforted in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) and soon pain and death with be no more (Revelation 21:4).The Paradise that was originally promised for the earth in the Garden of Eden will be restored. Please be comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Kathi (Rooney) Pfeifle says
I am so sorry for your loss Tim. I will keep you, Kathy and the remainder of your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I remember your mother and by reading her story, know she really is in a better place. My God comfort you.
Scott Waldo says
As a cousin, I had the pleasure of those wonderful meals and rousing rambunctious good times in Pat and Rose’s green house. Rose always had a smile and laugh ready whenever I saw her – though the effort she went through to support her family was incredible. Rose, we will miss you… Ginger, Kolleen, Cole, Tim – my thoughts are with you.
Burt Douthit says
Working at Stevenson’s during my high school years in the late 1960’s, I remember Rose and all you “kids” very well. Rose was always so friendly, with her big smile – I always admired her for being such a hard worker and a good mother to all of you. A lot of good memories for me, although I’ll never forget the sadness we all felt on that Sunday morning when the tragic accident claimed little Tana. Hey, Ginger – remember we both drove ’56 Fords, yours was green, mine was blue & white. I’ll keep you in my thoughts as you celebrate your mom’s life tomorrow.
Bob And Cindy Flotkoetter says
Tim: I was so sad to see that your mom had passed. She was an outstand woman and a great mother. I well always remember her cooking and cookies. And that crazy fire she had. Again today is a sad day for us but a happy one for her. She is finally home and will always be looking down on all of us.