Rosa Lea Kyle

ROSA LEA "ROSE" (AFFOLTER) KYLE, 86, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Cross Lanes and prior to that, South Charleston, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on February 28, 2024, from the effects of late stage dementia.
Rose was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 19, 1937, to Edward and Edna Affolter, who raised their large and loving family in North Charleston, West Virginia.
Rose is survived by five siblings: Barbara Moss of Lynn Haven, Florida; Phyllis Henderson of Sarasota, Florida; Lillian "Cookie" Ison of Sarasota, Florida; George Affolter of Sarasota, Florida; and Robert "Bobby" Affolter (and spouse Vickie) of Sun City Center, Florida; stepson, Mike Kyle, of Cross Lanes; granddaughter, Brianne Kyle Taylor of South Point, Ohio; and great grandson, Jayden Taylor, of Cross Lanes; and many nieces and nephews.
She is also survived by her two daughters, Catherine Gilbert Johnston of Bradenton, Florida, and Elizabeth Gilbert Benedetto (and spouse Tony) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida.
Rose was first married to John Gilbert, with whom she had her twin daughters. Later, in 1996, Rose married her second husband, William "Bill" Kyle, to whom she was married until his death in 2011. During her final days, many people reached out to Rose and her family to share their love and support, and the same sentiments were expressed by many during those conversations. Most people said that Rose was one of the most warm, kind, thoughtful and generous people that they have ever met. Rose never met a stranger - she was incredibly friendly and inclusive and could make new friends wherever she went. If you were lucky enough to have known her, you are likely shaking your head in agreement as you are reading this obituary.
Rose worked in the medical field for 50 years, most of that time as an office manager and medical secretary for several prominent Charleston area doctors, including John T. "Jack" Chambers, M.D., Robert E. Stone, M.D., Constantino C. Arceo, M.D. and Thompson E. Pearcy, M.D. Even though it was hectic to work in a busy medical practice, she loved her job and she developed many close friendships with colleagues and patients during her career.
If you went anywhere in Charleston with Rose, you needed to bring your patience because she was going to see people she knew and stop and talk with every one of them. Rose had a special and close relationship with her daughters. The best compliment either of her daughters can ever receive is that they are like their mom, Rose. She will be greatly missed by Catherine and Elizabeth.
Rose's family is comforted by their belief that she has been reunited in Heaven with her parents, her siblings that predeceased her, many good friends and her husband, Bill. There is no doubt that a long line formed to welcome her to her eternal home. Rose loved music and dancing and our hope is that she is enjoying her time in Heaven, dancing to her favorite music, most likely an Elvis Presley song.
Rose's final arrangements were handled by Toale Brothers Funeral Home in Sarasota, Florida. As the surviving spouse of a WW II U.S. Navy Veteran, her final resting place will be the Sarasota National Cemetery.