Rose Staus

Rose (Rosie) Nash Staus of Billings, Montana, passed away on October 12 after a brief and intense illness. 

Rosie was born in Los Angeles, California, on September 15, 1949, the only child of James (“Daddy Jim”) and Alice Espinoza Nash. She attended Catholic schools; her family attended Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. As Rosie was growing up, she had training in voice and ballet. At 13 years of age her world was shattered when her beloved father passed away and her mother was placed in a nursing home. Rosie was taken in by Bill and Alma Biebe and their five daughters. 

After her high school graduation, Rosie and her roommate did office work. Then when her roommate moved out, Rosie decided to join a convent. Later she left, realizing that she wanted to marry someday. Rosie moved in with friends, and in the early 1980's they all decided to move from California to Billings, Montana. 

Rosie began to attend St. Pius X Church, where she met Craig Staus in the choir. They fell in love and were married on September 7, 1986. 

Rosie had many interests, including music and ballet. She taught ballet at a Montessori school until the school closed, and she worked briefly for Billings School District 2. Later Rosie worked at two theatres, and learned floral design at Meribelle Ferguson’s bridal shop. A special opportunity came her way when Rosie began to babysit for Rocky Mountain College professor Elizabeth McNamer. Elizabeth became her mentor and advisor as Rosie studied philosophy and religion. As a result of those studies, Rosie attended Buddhist services and enjoyed Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish and Presbyterian services.

Rosie and Craig had a full life, with activities like square dancing and singing and parties with friends. Rosie loved being in the Sweet Adelines; she even learned to play the accordion. She was well traveled and took several trips overseas including a month doing archaeology in Israel with Dr. McNamer. She cherished celebrating holidays, particularly Christmas and birthdays, and loved greeting cards, which she displayed in her home. Rosie was part of a birthday club with a group of friends. 

In her later years Rosie had physical difficulties that were very challenging, but with the help of family and friends she was able to stay in her home. This summer Rosie became ill with cancer, which was not treatable.

Craig warmly thanks the friends and pastors who visited and called Rosie, encouraging her in her last illness.

Rosie was preceded in death by her birth parents, her foster parents and foster sisters, Susan and Mary Jo. She is survived by her loving husband, Craig; her sister-in-law, Mary Staus; and her brothers-in-law Paul (Jonella) Staus and Bill Bock. 

Services will be held at 11:00 at St. Pius X Church (717 18th St. W, Billings) on Wednesday, October 22. A Rosary Service will precede the funeral at 10:30; a lunch reception will follow the funeral.