Rose Ellen (Dunson) Wickert passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025 at the age of 91. In her final days, Rose was surrounded by her family, who were her pride and joy. Rose had always enjoyed her family get togethers and considered many friends her family.

Rose was born in Findlay, OH to Gracemarie and Orville Vermillion. She spent her early years in Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Williard Lewis Dunson (“Lewie”). They married on July 22, 1950 and in 1951, welcomed their first daughter, Star. Rose and Lewie moved to Arizona in 1954. In 1955, they welcomed their second daughter, Robin and in 1957 welcomed their first son, Perry. Lewie passed away tragically August 7, 1962 at the early age of 32. Rose remarried and welcomed third daughter, Janice, in 1964 and second son, Kenny, in 1968. That family continued to grow to 22 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Rose loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping trips to the lake. She loved getting on the jet-skis with her children and floating on her inflatables in the lake. Rose had many interests and was very talented. One of her greatest talents was crocheting. Her crocheted items and carrot cakes won blue ribbons at the local fair. She loved painting pictures; a hidden talent she kept secret until she adorned the walls with her beautiful paintings. Rose also loved to sew, donating many of her items and quilts to Aviva Children’s Services. Rose was also a member of “The Ladies Square Table”, a group that met for socialization and lunches, for over 20 years.

Rose is survived by her daughters, Star Dunson and Janice Poole (Harold); sons Perry Dunson (Roberta) and Kenny Wickert (Michele) and many, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her late husband, Lewie Dunson; daughter, Robin Riff; Grandson, Joshua Riff; Granddaughter, Tisha Peterson; brothers Daniel Vermillion and Neil Vermillion; Aunt Donnie; Uncle Kenny and many other family members that were dear to her heart.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Soulistic Hospice and Foothills Vista Adult Care Home, both of whom played an important role in making Rose’s last days a little brighter, and to Blue Rose Legacy, who provided assistance to Rose when it was most needed.

The family will announce the plan for a Celebration of Life in Rose’s honor at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Aviva Children’s Services in her honor at Donate .