Rutland resident remembered for steady kindness, family gatherings
The Kelowna community is mourning Rose Marie Griesheimer, a long-time Rutland resident who died peacefully on Sept. 16 while surrounded by family. Born in Calder, Saskatchewan on May 30, 1946, Rose made Kelowna her home at an early age and became a familiar presence in the neighbourhood where she and her husband raised their family.
Known for opening her door and her kitchen to family and neighbours, Rose was described by those who knew her as the dependable centre of a large extended family. Her daily rituals — from keeping the coffee on to hosting holiday dinners with room "for one more" — helped knit together connections across generations in the Rutland area.
She gave generously of herself, loved her family deeply, and made people feel welcome.
Rose is survived by her husband of 59 years, Arthur Griesheimer; their children Kendrick Griesheimer, Liza Bardwell and Darcy Griesheimer; and grandchildren Kyle (Justine) Bardwell, Jenicka Bardwell and Grace Bardwell. She also leaves behind a great-granddaughter, Yelena Bardwell, as well as brothers Cliff (Brenda) Lacktin and Peter Lacktin, one niece and many nephews.
Neighbourhood presence and quiet community service
Local recollections emphasise Rose's low-key generosity. She was often known simply as "Auntie Rose" to many children she cared for over the years, and neighbours recall frequent visits over fences, friendly chats while out for a walk and regular runs into familiar faces at the local IGA. She rarely sought recognition for her kindness; for many, the impact was felt quietly and consistently.
Rose kept busy with practical, hands-on work that sustained family traditions and community ties. She sewed, knitted and crocheted; took on other crafts with a constant project in hand; and each year she canned vegetables grown in her husband’s garden — an extension of a household centred on food, family and shared meals.
Family history and legacy
Born into the Lacktin family in Saskatchewan, Rose moved to Kelowna shortly after birth. She later married Arthur and together they raised their children in Rutland. She now joins those who predeceased her, including parents Mike and Jean Lacktin, brother Adam Lacktin and son-in-law Mark Bardwell.
For many in Kelowna, Rose’s legacy will be measured not by public accolades but by the steady care she showed at home and in the neighbourhood: making visitors feel welcome, keeping family close through shared meals, and offering practical help and companionship across decades.
- Born: May 30, 1946, Calder, Saskatchewan
- Died: Sept. 16, 2026, in Kelowna, while surrounded by family
- Survived by: husband Arthur; children Kendrick, Liza and Darcy; grandchildren and great-granddaughter; brothers Cliff and Peter Lacktin
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rose Marie Griesheimer |
| Years | 1946–2026 |
| Community | Rutland, Kelowna |
Local funeral arrangements and any public memorial details are handled by the family. For many in Kelowna, remembering Rose will be an act of preserving the small, neighbourly traditions that helped shape Rutland’s community fabric.
Her life — stitched together by craftwork, shared meals and quiet support — reflects a particular West Coast pattern of community: close-knit, practical and sustained by daily acts of care.
