MENDOTA - Rosita “Rose” Rodriguez, 59, of Mendota was granted her angel wings on Dec. 6, 2019 at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. with Father Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be private.

Rose was born Sept. 28, 1960 in Pampa, Texas.

Survivors include her stepfather, Terry Wentz; a beloved son, Michael Rodriguez; loving sisters, Stella Gomez Melby and Grace (Stefen Peterson) Gomez Thompson; loving brothers, David (Christine) Gomez and Mark Rodriguez; stepsisters, Shelley Wentz and Kelly Wentz Lundgren; two grandchildren; three nieces; and seven nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Manuel Rodriguez; her mother, Grace (Morales) Wentz; one sister, JoAnne; one brother, Manuel; and one aunt, Raquel Vincent.

Rose’s final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that Rose had touched in some special way throughout her short, yet very memorable life. Her life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quality of time which one lives. She worked at Motor Wheel in Mendota for 18 years as a machine operator. She enjoyed spending time outdoors with her family. She loved being a grandmother and an aunt. She liked to explore nature and she enjoyed being a big kid herself. Her laughter was contagious and her beautiful spirit captured many hearts. Although her words of wisdom will never again be heard, in our hearts we will always listen, because with love we do not need words. Now she is free as a bird.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.