Rose Marie Olive
- Visitation Dates and Times
Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
- Visitation Location
Hamel Immanuel UCC
- Service Date
Friday, September 18, 2026
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
Hamel Immanuel UCC
- Full Obituary
Rose Marie Olive, age 88, of rural Edwardsville passed away Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Stillwater Senior Living in Edwardsville. She was born on February 27, 1938, in Edwardsville, to the late August William and Edna Louis (nee Rode) Wilkening.
On April 15, 1956, she married Harry Walter Olive at Hamel UCC. Rose is survived by 2 of her children Kevin Olive of Edwardsville and Ruth (Stephen) Gevers of Edwardsville; son-in-law, Joseph Geuss of Worden; 5 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and a brother, Alvin (Janet) Wilkening of Hamel.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughters, Deborah Olive and Diana Geuss; siblings, Roger Wilkening, Donald (Verna) Wilkening, Verla June (Carl) Donaldson and Bettie (Frank) Head; parents-in-law, Lawrence and Martha Olive.
Rose passed away leaving a legacy of love, dedication, and fond memories. She retired in 1995 after 12 years as an office manager for Dr. William Schwarz, where her organizational skills and welcoming nature touched many lives. Deeply rooted in her faith and community. Rose was a lifelong member of Hamel Immanuel UCC of Edwardsville where started teaching Sunday School at the age of 13. She served generously as the Treasurer for the Hitz Home Auxiliary for many years. Rose had a passion for the outdoors and travel. She enjoyed RV camping and was a member of various camping clubs. Whether she was tending to her plants, reading a good book, or cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, she lived life to the fullest. One of her favorite getaways was Dauphin Island, AL where she and Harry would spend a month with friends. Rose loved spending time with her family both close and extended. Her interest in genealogy kept her connected to distant relatives.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., at Hamel Immanuel UCC, 5838 Staunton Rd, Edwardsville. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Paul Burden presiding. Interment will follow at Immanuel UCC Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to Hamel Immanuel UCC Memorial Fund or Hitz Home and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 1501 9th St., Highland, IL 62249, which is serving the family.
