Rose May McLaughlin

Family services were held December 22, 2010, for Rose McLaughlin, who died at home on December 20, 2010 at the age of 94. Rose was born in 1916, in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, the daughter of Rhoda and W.P. Mackey. She traveled with her family in 1917, by immigrant train to homestead in southern Campbell County, Wyoming. Rose grew up in a community where there was a homestead family on every section. She entered school at age four, graduating from eighth grade at age twelve. After a year off, she completed ninth grade by correspondence, then she and her sister Elsie boarded in Gillette to attend high school. She took Normal Training in high school to qualify to teach and graduated as class of 1934 Salutatorian. Rose taught country school for two years following high school graduation, then in 1936, married A.G. Red McLaughlin, who came from Texas to Gillette with the Civilian Conservation Corps. Except for a brief sojourns in Texas, New Mexico and Riverton, Wyoming, they made their home in Gillette. They were the parents of five daughters: Terry Wenger of Rozet, Wyoming, Grace Baker and Michelle Russell of Gillette, Wyoming, Kathryn Matlack of Dubois, Wyoming, and Kathleen Holbert of Riverton, Wyoming. They had one son, Jesse Hugh McLaughlin. Rose was dedicated to her family and became the beloved matriarch to four generations of descendants. She was noted for her hospitality and she and Red welcomed into their home an amazing number of people who lived with them for various lengths of time. Most of these were young people, to whom she became a second mother. In addition to raising her family, Rose worked in several jobs in Gillette. Her last job before retirement at age 72, was as a teachers aide at Lakeview Elementary School, where she was known as Grandma to the students. She was a skilled seamstress and made beautiful clothing for her family and others. Roses home was the center for many family gatherings, and, as the family grew, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren always anticipated visits to Grandma and Grandpas home as a special treat.Rose was preceded in death by her son Hugh in 1975, and her husband Red in 1982. As a life-long Christian, she looked forward to seeing them again. She is survived by her five daughters, thirteen grandchildren, numerous great- and great-great grandchildren, sisters: Elsie Bard of Buffalo, Wyoming, and Elizabeth Sauble of Hemet, California, and brother Robert Mackey of Gillette, Wyoming. Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716