Rose W. Holbrook, age 92 of Xenia was greeted in Heaven by her Lord and family members on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was born in Watts, Kentucky on February 27, 1933, one of 15 children born to Dosha (Combs) and George Washington Watts.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband: Everett H. Holbrook; daughter: Karen Steward; son and daughter-in-law: Philip and Kim Holbrook and 12 siblings.

She is survived by her grandchildren: Hannah Holbrook, Samuel (Chelsea) Steward and Anna Steward; son-in-law: John Steward; sisters: Maxine (South) Hudson and Ella Watts; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first great granddaughter due later this year.

Rose graduated from Jackson City High School. Together with her family they moved to Ohio in search of more opportunities in 1958. She attended Eastern Kentucky University and received her Bachelor's Degree from Central State University. She taught 31 years with the Dayton Public School System. She was very passionate about molding the future of her students. She was a snow bird for many years after her retirement. Rose had been a member of the Xenia Christian Center and attended SAPP in Florida. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. Always interested in promoting education, she had a clever way of working life lessons into her everyday activities.

Celebration of Life will be held 4 PM Monday March 16th at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia with Dr. Greg Hudson officiating. Gathering for friends and family will begin at 2 PM at the funeral home. She will be buried with her family in Florida.