Rose Ellen Thorne, 83

Rose Ellen Thorne, 83, of Parkersburg, was the daughter of Clayton and Alice Lucille (Mason) Chapman, born on January 15, 1942, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  She grew up in New Hartford and graduated from New Hartford High School in 1960, where she was active as a cheerleader.

On January 20, 1961, Rose was united in marriage to Robert G. “Butch” Thorne at the Methodist Church in New Hartford. Together they made their home in Parkersburg and built a life full of family and community. 

Throughout her life, Rose provided in-home day care and worked in local clothing stores, including Vicky Jo’s and O’Donnell’s. She was known for her generous spirit, always keeping a variety of snacks for the children in her care—something her family fondly laughed about, as they remembered rarely getting snacks themselves. 

She was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church and was involved in teaching Cub Scouts and serving as a Den Mother. Rose loved spending time and traveling with friends and family, especially going on cruises. Rose was known for her love of shopping and her meticulous housekeeping. She took great pride in keeping her home spotless and beautifully decorated, changing the décor with the seasons to make everything feel just right. She found joy in the little details, and her sense of style and order were unmistakable. Above all, Rose loved being with her grandchildren, spoiling them at every opportunity and creating lasting memories

Rose passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by family, at the Unity Point Allen Hospital of natural causes. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Butch” Thorne; four sisters, Darlene Jordan, Marian Christensen, Janet Groeneveld, and Nancy Kahler; three brothers, Kenneth Chapman, Donald Chapman, and Dean Chapman, and brothers-in-law, Kenneth “Kenny” Thorne, and Marvin Adolphs.

Rose is survived by her two sons, Scott (Jamie Cummins)  Thorne of Waterloo, and Brett (Sara) Thorne of Eden Prairie, MN; five grandchildren, Rachael (Ray) Ryan, Gwendolyn Thorne, Bre Thorne, Izzy Thorne, and Eli Thorne; three brothers, Larry (Carol) Chapman of New Hartford, Greg (Cathy) Chapman of Winterset, Harold Chapman of New Hartford; three sisters, Margaret Michaels of Waterloo, Shirley Weigan of Dubuque, and Lynda Southard of Aplington; brother-in-law, Leon (Becky) Thorne; sisters-in-law, Delores Adolphs, and Elaine Chapman; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Rose was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg.  Pastor Brian Koelsch officiated the service.  Organist was Mary Ann Simon and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “The King Is Coming” and “Amazing Grace”.  Special music was provided by Rose’s grandson, Eli Thorne, as he sang “In The Garden”  Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Friday at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services - Parkersburg Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to family. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com