Rose Van Maanen

Rose (Rucker) VanMaanen

Rose Rucker was born in Los Angeles, California July 29, 1936 to John and Mary (Chavez) Rucker. From a very early age, Rose learned the value of hard work, persistence and most importantly, a positive perspective. She also learned a little mischief! She and her lifelong friend Bea would sneak out of Bea’s bedroom window at night until Bea’s mother figured them out and nailed that window shut.

    Rose Rucker met and married Kenneth (Van) VanMaanen in 1960. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage.  They lived in Anaheim, California with their six children and dog Duke. Rose pestered the management at Disneyland until they finally gave her a job where she worked for a time, even borrowing 50 cents from Walt Disney himself, until she realized she was needed more at home.  

    Van and Rose moved to Star Idaho and started the “VanMaanen Ranch.” Rose took this new journey in stride and was up before the sun each day, milking cows, cooking meals, working in the fields growing corn, grain, clover and mint. Nobody worked as long and hard as Rose and she let you know it! She would often spout “Don’t wait to be told, just look around and see what needs to be done and do it!” Van and Sons Concrete was well underway and those men knew who the REAL boss was! They would often say “Don’t mess with Rose! Get busy and get it done!”

Despite the push to get it done, Rose always had time to laugh and give hugs. All the visiting grandkids would be put to work, picking endless rocks out of the fields and endless weeds around the property, but they always came back for more. Everybody that knew Rose knew that she was loving, kind and most of all, real. She knew who she was and didn’t apologize for it, and people loved her for it. Rose would win people over with her laugh and smile. She made new friends wherever she went. Rose was stridently positive and would not let the challenges of life get her down. Even when a failed surgery took her sight, Rose found the best of the situation. She was a great example of Christ’s love and perseverance. She taught her children how to work hard, clean spotlessly and make it through the tough times.

Rose went to live with her Heavenly Father Friday, November 4, 2016 at 6:59am. Just like the rose flower, Rose VanMaanen was beautiful, cheerful, and hearty and had the thorns to pierce your heart. Everyone who knew Rose was changed by knowing her and seeing her walk with Christ. She will be greatly missed, but those she touched are comforted knowing that she can now see the face of Jesus and rest in his arms.

Rose VanMaanen is preceded in death by:

Father- John Murlin Rucker, Kansas

Mother- Mary Teresa Chavez, New Mexico

Brother- Karl (Dan) Rucker- Caldwell, Idaho

Step Father- JV Dixson  

Rose VanMaanen is survived by:

Brother—Johnny Rucker, Aunt Bev

Husband—Kenneth VanMaanen Sr of 56 years

Six (6) Children—

    Debbie Weigel and Lonnie

    Randy Williams and Cathy

    Jerry Williams and Carol

    Lindy Buskirk and Richard

    Kenny VanMaanen Jr. and Lynette

    Danny VanMaanen

Fifteen (15) Grandchildren

Eighteen (18) Great-Grandchildren

One (1) Great-Great Grandchild

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