Rose Marie Distefano Milliken

Rose Marie Distefano Milliken entered eternal rest in the early morning hours of Jan. 28, 2026, peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on Nov. 15, 1954, and raised on a strawberry farm in Hammond, LA, to the late Anthony "Tony" and Marian Distefano. She carried great pride in her Italian heritage and the traditions that shaped her life. Sundays were special in the Distefano home, often spent gathered around the table enjoying her favorite meal – spaghetti and meatballs – where love, laughter, and family were always plentiful.

Rose was a proud graduate of Hammond High School and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in accounting. More than twenty years later, her determination and love of learning led her back to Southeastern, where she completed her Master of Business Administration in December 2004. She retired from the State of Louisiana in 2014 and joyfully embraced this new season of life through travel, volunteering, and a continued commitment to serving others.

Above all else, her life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her relationship with the Lord was her greatest passion and constant source of strength. She could often be found in prayer, reading her Bible, attending church services, and joyfully recognizing God's miracles in everyday moments. Her faith guided her words, her actions, and the way she loved those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, James Milliken; her brothers, Joe Distefano and Dominic Distefano (Sylvia); and her children, Seth Darouse (Sarah), Aaron Darouse (Brandy), Josh Milliken (Kali), Grant Milliken, Heather Milliken, and Laura Falkenberry (JD). She was a deeply loving grandmother to eleven grandchildren, Joseph, Thomas, Gentry, Sophie, Conor, Cullen, Kyler, Kaden, Finley, Sarah (Adam), and Kelsey; and great-grandchild Boston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Marian Distefano; her sisters-in-law, Anna Distefano and Paula Distefano; and her beloved grand-puppy, Buddy.

Visitation will be held at Live Oak Church in Watson, LA, on Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 9-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a ministry of your choice at Live Oak Church or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.