Rose Josephine Monte

Rose Josephine Monte died peacefully in Hanson Hospice Center on October 19th, 2014 in Stevensville, Michigan at the age of 92. Rose is preceded in death by her husband, Peter Monte (1993),  and brothers, George and Joseph Bartalone.  She is survived by her children, Annette (John) Bartz, and Ron (Rob Armstrong) Monte; her grandchildren, Tiffany (Bryan) Newcastle, and John (Catherine) Bartz; her great grandchildren, Lexi, Cole and Gianna Newcastle; her brother, Jim Bartalone, sister, Frances Provenzano, and sister in law, Jean (George) Bartalone and many nieces and nephews. Rosie was born on February 25, 1922 in Riverside, Michigan to Anthony & Frances (Lomonaco) Bartalone. She married Peter Monte in 1947, and they grew their family in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  Rose worked at VM (Voice of Music) and Bendix Corp.  Family and friends remember Rosie for her generous and loving nature and her amazing cooking.  Sundays were always for big meals.  Family and friends would gather and enjoy a traditional Sicilian meal; which meant  plenty of food for everyone. Rose enjoyed baking holiday cookies and sharing them with family and friends.  Rose loved her family deeply, and taught them the importance of carrying on traditions.  She was an active and dedicated member of the St. John’s/St. Bernard’s Parish of the Catholic Church. Her smile will be missed by all who knew her. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware St., Benton Harbor, with Fr. William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, with liturgical prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rose’s name may be made to the American Kidney Foundation or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Rose’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.