Rose Grace Shanks

Rose was born on May 17, 1930 to Pasquale and Mary Amelia (nee Strappelli). North Highland Avenue in East Baltimore was the joyful family home and extended family surrounded them for blocks. During the depression the extended family often ate together, pooling their resources. Rose, as the oldest grandchild, created laughter, entertaining the entire family.

Rose’s father, Pasquale, was a devoted and loving father. He had been an orphan, and Rose believed that was the reason he loved to play games with his children. Rose was a scrappy five-year-old and was known for biting other children. Her caring and doting mother solicited the help of the neighborhood police officer. He spoke directly to Rose and said if she didn’t stop biting she would be taken away from her mother. Perhaps this was the beginning of Rose’s sweet and loving soul that she was known for the rest of her life.

Rose graduated from Patterson Park High School in 1948, where many of her classmates called her by her first and last names – “Rose Amelia.” Her class is still enjoying reunions, many of which she was instrumental in organizing.

Perhaps the most important event for Rose was a chance encounter on a Sunday morning in Ocean City where she just happened to meet the love of her life, Bob Shanks; both were only 18 years old. Within a year, these two lovebirds were married and soon thereafter were blessed with a daughter, Debbie, the first of their four children. Rose’s love for Bob only grew stronger over the years as did his for her. It was not unusual to find the two of them singing love songs to one another.

In her own words, Rose lived her dream – a loving husband, wonderful children, a single-family home and a fireplace. She adored being a wife, mother and homemaker. She often said, “the finest company you will ever have is your family!” Baking and cooking were her forte. No one ever left Bob and Rose’s home hungry – the Italian way.

The parties at the Shanks’ home were epic. Rose mastered tablescapes before they were popular. The Shanks’ table was always welcoming and loving – and there was always room for more to join in the festivities. And the food was beyond delicious.

It has been said that Bob and Rose’s love was palpable. And they were a team! They enjoyed 74 years of love, laughter and wonderful times with family and friends. Theirs was a realized dream.

Bob and Rose shared four beloved children, Deborah Shahan (Michael), John Robert Shanks, Jr. (Ann), Julie Ostheller (Todd), and Luke Shanks (former spouse Tammie).

Cherished grandchildren: Carrie Amelia MacPhee (Greg), Benjamin Shanks (Kate), Luke Shanks, A J Shanks (Elizabeth), Greta Kodan (Daniel), Maximilian Ostheller (Valerie) and Patrick Shahan (Alessandra).

Adored great-grandchildren: Cheyane Rose and Hayden Shanks; Ian, Gabriel and Alexander MacPhee; Jack Pasquale and Teddy Shanks; Quinn Amelia and Pierce Kodan; and Orland John and Smith Teo Ostheller.

She was greeted in heaven by her beloved husband Bob, parents Mary and Pasquale Amelia, grandson Jack Shanks, daughter-in-law Bonny Balderson Shanks and son-in-law and Godson Todd E. Ostheller.

We are eternally grateful for the love and care Rose received from Trina, Marty, Cynthia, Barbara, Joanna, Gina and Karen. Special thanks to our hospice team -- Sharon, Kerry, Megan and Chaplain Hollyn.

Rose’s life will be celebrated at the Performing Arts Auditorium of the Oak Crest Retirement Community, 8800 Walther Blvd., Parkville, Maryland 21234 on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 12PM.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Rose’s memory to Gilchrist, 11311 McCormick Road, Ste. 350, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031 or at https://gilchristcares.org/giving/donate-other/