Rosalie Kae (Wrathall) Fox, our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and friend affectionately known as “Rose,” passed away peacefully Monday, June 7, 2021, at the age of 79, after complications following surgery. She left us too soon, yet a joyous reunion awaits her. Rosalie was born in her grandparent’s home in Pine Canyon, Utah, to Theodore Roosevelt and Aletha Louise Wrathall on August 4, 1941. Rose was the first of four children. She was a beautiful little girl, with blonde hair, blue eyes, strength, determination, and love for her family and friends.
Rose loved and shared many memories of spending time with her grandparents in both Tooele and Grantsville, Utah. Her family roots were deep, and she was very proud of her heritage. Memories were of the Razzle Dazzle, the farms, playing with cousins and learning the lessons of hard work. Mom was an accomplished pianist who started by teaching herself to play piano, began lessons, and at her first recital her grandfather said, “Rosalie, the piano is yours,” and it still sits in her home today. She was raised in a very close family who enjoyed camping, fishing, and boating every weekend from May to September, which continued throughout her life. As a teenager, she loved school (especially math), church, friends, dancing, Elvis, and pretty shoes. She learned to sew and crochet, and was a beautiful seamstress, sewing for both herself and her family.
Rosalie attended college at Utah State University where she wanted to become an engineer, which as a woman was unheard of in that era. When she had to leave school, she eventually went to work at Tooele Army Depot and was promoted through an upward mobility program as a management analyst. She worked in the Equal Employment Opportunity program in the 1970s where equal employment was promoted for all races and genders. She continued her education while she worked, was very intelligent, and gained many awards and accolades along the way. She retired from Federal service Jan. 20, 1993.
She married Dennis Lee Cunningham Feb. 24, 1963, later divorced. Her daughter, Candace Lee Cunningham (Candy) was born Sept. 13, 1963.
Rose married Robert D. Fox, “Duke,” June 10, 1978. Together every day for 43 years, they owned and operated “Fox’s Auto Repair,” traveled, were involved in many clubs and gave their time and energy to many endeavors. They gave to each other their love, time and energy. They loved to dance and were the life of the party. They enjoyed having their horses, going for trail rides, and being part of the riding clubs and chariot racing associations. She was always lending a helping hand and stepping up to any challenge. She was very proud of their accomplishments both in business and in the chariot racing world and began breeding her mares. Her colts were her pride and joy, and “Baby” remains in the family today. They settled in Rush Valley, Utah, in 1998 and remained there for the duration of her life. The real treasure in all they accomplished was the friends gained along the way.
She joined the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in 1963, following the family legacy, and began her journey through the officer’s stations. She became President of the auxiliary at the age of 29, in 1970 and was the youngest president to take office at that time. She held the office of Mother to the President in 1976. She held positions at the state level as a trustee for two years, and as the auditor for two years. She was the state and local musician, had a beautiful voice, and lent her artistic skills to draw the eagle for state pages and created the scrap books for many presidents. She was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame, was the oldest living past-president, and last, but not least, she served as the secretary for the last 26 years. She served on committees tirelessly, donated continuously to charities, organized events, and was so proud of all the Eagles stood for, for the funds donated to multiple charities and loved many of the women who influenced and guided her, and those she taught along the way. She was loved and respected by so many.
She was very patriotic and would display red, white and blue in her flower gardens and in her home. She decorated for every season and holiday with energy and fine décor. She loved to bake and would throw in a batch of cookies for dessert after dinner or bake a cake for work at the drop of a hat. She made delicious breads, fudge and baklava, and her pumpkin cookies were irresistible. She canned and made homemade jams. She worked tirelessly in her yard and loved to have her flowers surrounding her. She had many collections which included Hummels, copper, memorabilia, foxes, horses, and many trophies. She had a fashion sense and had boots to match every and any outfit, with matching jewelry and belts. She had a presence that was unshakable. She loved Christmas and would bake and make goodies to send and deliver to everyone far and wide. She would display her Christmas village that encompassed the whole family room, but most of all she loved having her family and friends attend the annual Christmas party with Santa for the children, and with food and drinks galore. She loved music from Elvis to Merle Haggard and George Strait. She also loved having her cat, Bandit, and their dogs, Gypsy, Peanut, and Dolly.
Mom loved her family, both immediate and extended. She loved to share everyone’s accomplishments and attended every function. She was very giving and put thought into each gift. She was a beautiful and giving mother and grandma who was so proud of each grandchild and wanted to celebrate every milestone. She was the photographer who captured every moment. She wanted to be present and experience all the joy her family could bring. She truly was our light and would brighten a room just by walking in. She is gone too soon, and we will miss her every day. We will miss her smile, her light, her fiery spirit, her bubbly personality, and the way she enriched our lives.
Rosalie is survived by her husband Robert; daughter Candy; granddaughters Chasity (Dillin) and Lacy; and grandson Duke; great-granddaughters Alliyah, Nadiyah, Boston and Dylan; brother James (Margie); sister Corrie (Byron); stepsons, Michael (Doris), Curtis (Missy), and Charles (Deanna); and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Guy, and nephew Cody.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers from Mountain West and the University of Utah for the love shown to our wife, mother, grandmother and sister during this very difficult time. The kindness shown and the gentle care given each day, will never be forgotten.
Funeral service will be held at Tate Mortuary in Tooele, Utah, June 12, 2021, at 11 a.m. Viewing will be held Friday evening, June 11, 2021, from 6 to 8 p.m., and June 12, 2021, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be at the Tooele City Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided by the Tooele Eagles Ladies Auxiliary at the Eagles Lodge, 50 S. 1st St., Tooele, Utah.