Rosaline P. Rich

Rosaline Pearl Rich, 87, of Dakota City, Ne, a beloved mother passed away on Dec. 7, 2024. 

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rosaline’s life at a memorial service on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, 6200 Morningside Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106. There will be a visitation with the family for an hour prior to the service. at the funeral home. The burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rosaline was born Dec. 13, 1936, in South Sioux City to Floyd and Esther Bates. She married Don Rich, her high school sweetheart and they were married for almost fifty years, until Don passed. Their union brought three children, who were all raised in Dakota City. 

Rosaline kept the home-fires burning for a year while Don served his country in Vietnam. During that time, she worked at a dry cleaner in South Sioux City. Rosaline later worked in the kitchen at South Sioux City High School for twenty years, making milk shakes and was known as “the milkshake lady.” She was a devoted wife and homemaker. Above all, her greatest love was for her family and friends. She enjoyed making a comfortable home for her family and hosting many friends and relatives to a delicious meal. She was a wonderful cook and baker and made extraordinary desserts. Many would often “drop by”, knowing there would be a piece of pie or cake to be enjoyed. She took immense pride in having a tidy home and a good meal on the table

Rosaline enjoyed listening to country music and attending the jams at the Seniors Center and Eagle’s Club. Those left to honor her memory include her three children, Debbie Rich of Tampa, FL, Randy Rich (and his wife Lisa) of Springfield, MO, and Donaline Schmith (and her husband Mike) of South Sioux City, NE. 

Rosaline leaves a legacy to 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

Rosaline leaves behind one brother, Lloyd Bates of South Sioux City, NE and one sister, Sherry Hogrefe (and her husband Jim), of Sioux City, IA, along with former spouse Merlin Van Houten.

Rosaline was preceded in death by her husband, Donald P. Rich, her parents Floyd and Esther Bates of Homer, Nebraska, and son-in-law, Robert Rester.