Obituaries for the week of Jan. 15

John Gramentine

John E. Gramentine, 77, of Rockwall passed away Dec. 30, 2009.

He was born April 21, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to John H. and Dorothy (Erlanson) Gramentine. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He worked sales in the jewelry industry, was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Pittsburgh and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rockwall.

John is survived by his wife of 48 years: Susan (Scott) Gramentine of Rockwall; sons John S. Gramentine of Arlington and James D. Gramentine and wife Allison of Midland; grandson John Ross Gramentine; granddaughters Kate, Maggie and Sydney Gramentine; a sister: Joanne Kelley and husband Stephen of Charlotte, N.C.; and nephew Matthew Kelley of Charlotte, N.C.

His parents preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 23, 2010, at Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rockwall Chapel with John Albritton officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, Ste. 700 South Tower, 8585 N. Stemmons, Dallas, Texas 75247.

‘Bob’ Rose

Robert B. “Bob” Rose, 71, of Rockwall passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2010, surrounded by members of his family.

He was born Nov. 18, 1938, in Angola, Ind., to Edward Milton and Josephine Rose. Bob graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1962 with a BS in electronic engineering and worked for the Department of the Navy for 34 years. He loved his family very much and perhaps his country equally. Bob had a passion for sports, and weekends were spent watching baseball, European soccer and football. He loved the Chicago Cubs, UW Huskies and the San Diego Chargers. Bob was a ham radio operator (K6GKU), for more than 50 years. He was a member of the NRA and the Amateur Radio Association and attended First United Methodist Church of Heath.

Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn Rose of Rockwall; sons Kevin M. Rose and wife Julie of Forney and Greg S. Rose and wife Tonya of Alpine, Calif.; daughter Stacey Klimek and husband Steve of Seattle, Wash.; sister Susan Jo Krieb and husband Richard of Desert Hot Springs, Calif.; grandchildren Chad and Tawni Brewer, Heather, Reagan, Grant, Nicholas, Jacob, Joshua and Jayson Rose; three nieces and two nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

No services will be held.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 Lawrence Dr., PMB 415, Heath, Texas 75032.

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Josephine Eshelman

Josephine Crist Eshelman, 90, of Rockwall passed away Jan. 9, 2010.

She was born July 16, 1919, to Edward Joseph and Mary (Billau) Crist. A native of Wichita, Kan., she lived there until she was united in marriage on Dec. 28, 1941, with Hamel Kai Eshelman, who died July 19, 1991. Josephine was a retired librarian from the public library in Garden City, Idaho. She was an active member and past president of the Rockwall County Genealogical Society. Josephine served on the committee for the Rockwall County Salvation Army and the local AARP, was a lifetime board member of the Rockwall County Committee on Aging, and was active in several senior citizens clubs. She was a member of the order of Eastern Star 475 in Wichita, Kan., and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Rockwall and its choir.

She is survived by her sons, Ronald Eshelman and wife Lusinda of Houston and Larry Eshelman of Rockwall; daughter Margaret Norton and husband Brian of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren Michelle, Scott, Dustin and Valerian; and five great-grandchildren.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and brother John Crist.

A memorial service with an Eastern Star ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., Jan. 16, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Cheryl Taylor officiating. Inurnment will take place in Wichita Park Cemetery, Wichita, Kan., at a later date.

Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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