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Sept. 10, 1921 - Jan. 31, 2013 SOUTH BEND - At 91 years of age, our Lord called home from Morningside Nursing & Memory Care one the nicest women to ever walk the face of this earth. Born Sept. 10, 1921, in Kouts, IN, Estrella Ruth Hofferth, the only child of Emil, a brick mason, and Mabelle (Salzer) Hofferth, a school teacher, she began her incredible life. She excelled in school, was an accomplished musician, and loved people. While in high school she performed as the church organist at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Kouts, and after retiring she served the same position at St Paul's Lutheran in South Bend. She came to South Bend in the early 1940s to attend the South Bend College of Commerce and after graduation began her secretarial career as a legal secretary in South Bend. On Nov. 22, 1941, she married high school sweetheart, Franklin Rosenbaum, who preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by 3 children, Franklin Jr. (Beryl) of Oscoda, MI, Carol Wendell (Dr Kenneth) of Cumberland, MD, and John of South Bend. After taking a career break to raise the children, she returned to the work force with Studebaker Corp. as a secretary, and rose to the position of executive secretary before the company moved to Canada. She retired in 1986 as the executive secretary to the plant manager at the AM General's South Bend plant. She was active in her church, serving on many committees, band boosters, and other clubs and organizations. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Deanna (Michael) Hall of Riverside, IL, Geoffrey (Kristen) Wendell of Rogers, AR, Lisa (Adam) McGilton of Caro, MI, and Johanna Wendell of Atlanta, GA; as well as five great-grand-children, Hazel & Henry Hall, Sadie & Burke Wendell, and Nolan McGilton. After Franklin's death, she kept busy with home, church and playing bridge. She joined a bridge club in the late 80s where she met Robert Bosson. They both had common interests in card playing, dancing and traveling, and they married on Feb. 10, 1990, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in South Bend. The first twelve years of their marriage were active and exciting. In 2002, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and Robert remained by her side until her passing. Estrella is also survived by his children, Margaret (Mike) Papay of South Bend and John Bosson of South Bend; as well as his granddaughter, Linda (Justin) McLain of Covington, IN; and one great-grandchild, Dylan McLain. Estrella's viewing will take place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Rd. in South Bend, 46637, on Saturday, Feb. 9th, from 1 to 3 PM followed by the funeral service at 3 PM, conducted by Rev. Gregory Fiechtner. Estrella's final resting place will be at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Kouts, Indiana, in a family plot next to her mother & father. The family requests any donations be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to the Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN 46617. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.
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3 Entries
I only met Mrs Rosenbaum a few times, but she was so sweet to me. She was a beautiful lady. Our prayers are with her family.
Cliff and Elizabeth Ketcher
February 7, 2013
Carol, am so sorry for the loss of your mother, she was always such a classy lady and always spoke when I would see her at any outing. I know from experience you will miss her but now have wonderful memories to smile and think upon. My condolences to the rest of your family. Sincerely Shari Fenske Holm
February 7, 2013
Sorry for your loss.
skip @ lori wilkins
February 7, 2013
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