Rose was born in Denver in 1927 to Louie and Betty Malito. She spent many of her early years at a Catholic orphanage as she lost her mother when Rose was eight. Rose reunited with her father as a teen when he remarried (the stories she would tell of her childhood!). Rose met her future husband Lee on a USO bus when he was stationed in Denver. They had five children, and Rose raised them, often by herself, in their childhood years, as Lee was stationed remotely, for a year or more at a time. When Lee was finally stationed stateside, they made homes in Utah, Texas, Colorado and California. When Lee retired from the Air Force at Vandenberg, they decided to make Lompoc their permanent home. When Lee passed away in 2012, Rose continued to live in the same house for 53 years total.

Rose became an expert at fixing things, cooking, gardening, and managing a large family. She was an avid reader, mostly mysteries, watched few shows on TV, and never missed Jeopardy. She took pleasure in being a wife, mother and homemaker most of all, and she did it well. She was active most of her life, despite never having a driver's license. She enjoyed playing cards, bowled for a while, and going to her exercise class at the senior center. She also got a computer and taught herself how to use it in her later years. Rose never stopped being a mother, selflessly providing her children with love, support, inspiration, laughter and guidance. She was a hard worker, had a great disposition and rarely complained. One of the few things she did complain about was a live Christmas tree she planted in the yard many years ago. The tree got so large, she was concerned that it would uproot itself and fall on the house. Also, when she thought a very large swarm of bees would make the same tree home, she took broom in hand and was ready to go outside and shoo them away. She could get feisty if she thought someone was in peril.

Mom mentioned to us that when her mother passed away, friends and relatives called her mother a saint. We believe that Rose is the saint.

Rose is preceded in death by her husband Lee, son Louis, brother Frankie, and sisters Darlene and Betty Lou. She is survived by sons Mike and Kenny, daughters Janet and Theresa, grandson Sarni, sisters-in­ law Linda and Joyce, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Rose will be interred at the Lompoc Cemetery alongside her honey Lee and son Louis. Private services will be held at a later date. Your final wish has been granted, Mom. You will be home soon.