Rose Marie (Swift) Fritz, daughter of William and Loretta Krischel Swift, was born June 8, 1940 in Springfield, and departed this life on Nov. 11, 2020 in her home near Hartville after a long illness at the age of 80 years, 5 months and 3 days. She was united in marriage to Elmer Ray Fritz on Jan. 31, 1959, and to this union, nine children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband on Nov. 29, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Sandra Goss; a grandson; great-grandson; and several siblings. Rose is survived by her loving children, Ray, David, Jim, Tim, Sara and Loretta Fritz, all of Mansfield; Angela Smith, of Hartville; and Teresa Montgomery, of Springfield; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren (two unborn great-grandchildren on the way); sister, Pat Garton, of Ozark; brother, Paul Swift, of Sarasota, Fla.; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was born and raised in Springfield, where she graduated from St. Agnes Catholic High School and went to college for one semester before deciding to marry the love of her life, Elmer Ray Fritz, and have a family. Rose was a carrier of FXS resulting in children with special needs. She spent the majority of her time taking care of household duties and raising her special needs children. Rose donated her brain to the Mind Institute in Sacramento, Calif. and the University of California at Berkley. Rose was a dedicated to her Catholic faith and volunteered for church activities most of her life. She also served on the Wright County Developmentally Disabled Board. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and sewing. She sewed her daughter, Teresa’s, entire wedding party dresses including the bridal gown. She loved bowling, square dancing, fishing and attending the Special Olympics with her children. Rose was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a caring neighbor and friend. She had patience beyond belief, was very compassionate and an all-around terrific person.
A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Mansfield with Father Leo Arockiasamy. Music was provided by Christy Grubbs. Honorary escorts were David Fritz, Jim Fritz, Tim Fritz, Jeremy Smith, Brailon Williams, Brandon Adams, Eddie Montgomery and Jerry Scott. The final resting place was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Hartville handled the arrangements.
