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Rose Kopf Obituary

A fighter to the end.

That's the only way to describe Rose Marie Kopf. She died Thursday, July 15, 2021, after battling breast cancer. She was 59.

Born in Lawrence, KS, Rose lived most of her life in her hometown until moving to St. Petersburg, FL in 2015. She is a graduate of Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas. Rose worked for Hallmark Cards, the Spencer Museum of Art, and Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She held various other jobs around Lawrence but was an artist above all else.

From textile design, fabric dying and screen printing to pottery hand building, body casting, and clay modeling, Rose was passionate about art. She had a unique and remarkable eye for fashion and could see the creative potential in any object. Rose was a free-spirited adventurer. She loved bike rides, shelling, beach hopping, boating, thrift store exploring, travel, concerts, festivals and so much more.

Friends and family will remember Rose for her creativity, her numerous art projects, her green eyes and blonde hair, her fighting spirit, her openness and friendliness to all people, and her overall joy for life.

Rose is survived by her husband Patrick Conroy, of St. Petersburg, FL; her children Kalem Kopf (Kevin Thompson), of New York, NY, Aleese Kopf, of West Palm Beach, FL, and Chase Kopf, of Lawrence, KS; stepdaughter Katlyn Conroy, of Lawrence, KS; siblings George Schmitendorf, III, Chester Schmitendorf and Sandra Cordill (Dean), of Ocala, FL, and Thomas Schmitendorf (Jennifer), of Lawrence, KS; nieces Rebecca Kramer (Bill) and Jessica Huston (Scott), of Topeka, KS; and nephews Dallas Schmitendorf and Kendall Schmitendorf, of Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents Sheila and George Schmitendorf, of Lawrence, KS.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made in Rose's memory at the Lawrence Arts Center. Donations can be made online at https://enroll.lawrenceartscenter.org/glimmers-of-hope or by mail to 940 New Hampshire, Lawrence, KS 66044.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lawrence Journal-World on Jul. 18, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Rose Kopf

Not sure what to say?





Jennifer L Schmitendorf

July 12, 2023

Hi Rose! Still thinking of you and miss you so much. But I smile at all the good memories.
Love you, Jennifer

Kim Brook

July 13, 2022

It's been one year. I miss you, Rose.

Jan (Hickam) Bogart

March 6, 2022

My condolences to your family. My grandparents (McCaffrey) lived next door to the Scmittendorfs and you were lovely neighbors.

unk

August 3, 2021

Saddened by her loss. Inspired by her vision and dream!

Deirdre Earle

July 21, 2021

Sincere sympathy on the passing of Rose .

Pam Harrell

July 19, 2021

Rose was the kindest , creative and by far the strongest person I have ever met in my life. I will never forget her or stop loving her!

Tina Todd

July 19, 2021

So sorry to hear of Rose's passing. Deepest condolences to her family.

Gina Ayenu

July 19, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences. May her soul rest in perfect peace. My prayers are with you and family.

Janet and Dennis

July 19, 2021

So sorry to hear about your loss ..She was a beautiful person... cherish the memories

Jeff Ralston

July 19, 2021

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Although I didn't know Rose, her talent and love for her family made the world a better place. I am sure that she will be missed by all those she touched.

Todd & Rene Vorhees

July 18, 2021

Our heart is broken. She will truly be missed. Patrick we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss her smile and her laughter. Rose was truly one of a kind.

Twylla Jimboy

July 18, 2021

My condolences and sending to the family during this difficult time. RIP Rose

Martha Barrand

July 18, 2021

George, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your sister, Rose. I hope memories of her will keep her alive in your heart!

Kim Brook

July 18, 2021

There are so many memories with Rose... her giving me tips on how to shop at the thrift store, that really heavy clay pot, the times we went out to eat, the Raising for Rose event, making her smoothies after her hip operation, her kind and big heart, and seeing her in Florida. Her inspiration, grace, and love will always be a part of me. Rose, I already miss the memories we won´t make. Xoxo

Sarah & Little Phil

July 18, 2021

Thank you for always being so kind and encouraging. Your love for life was contagious and inspirational. You´ll be missed very much, but not forgotten. Philly and I are planting flowers in your memory.

Deb Drummet

July 18, 2021

If all of us can have your strength, courage and dignity in the face of adversity, the world would be a better place. With much admiration and respect. You will never be forgotten. Peace to you and yours.

Jennifer Schmitendorf

July 18, 2021

Rose, I am so grateful to have met you in college in '81. Thank you for great memories. You could light up a room, engulfed friendships, shared your talent, grace and beauty with all. You made an impact and will be remembered by so many people. I'll keep you in my heart and see you in every sunset. Love always - Jennifer

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