July 9, 1939 – March 6, 2025
Rose M. Ganje, 85, of Gettysburg passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. CT, Friday, March 21, 2025 at Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. MT, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte with Fr. John Paul Trask presiding. Burial will follow in the Eagle Butte Cemetery.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg is in charge of arrangements.
Rose was born on July 9, 1939, in Deadwood to Lawrence and Hilda Fish. She grew up in the Black Hills and carried with her a love for family, community, and hard work throughout her life.
On October 31, 1955, she married Albert Ganje, and together they made their home in Eagle Butte where they raised their five children.
Once her children were in school, Rose began working for the Extension office. She was a proud and passionate 4-H leader, helping guide and inspire countless young people.
In early 1983, Rose started as a substitute teacher at Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School, where she found great joy in working with students. In 1992, she transitioned into a role with the Title I program.
Beyond her work and family, Rose was an avid bowler until the local alley closed. In 1994, she took up playing darts and enjoyed competing in a weekly dart league. She was a dedicated member of the All Saints Catholic Altar Society, where she found fellowship and a deep sense of faith.
In 2001, Rose suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, which left her paralyzed on the right side of her body and unable to speak many words. Through the unwavering love and care of her children and in-home nurses, she was able to remain in her home in Eagle Butte for the next seven years. In 2008, she moved to the Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, where she lived for 18 years. Despite her physical challenges, Rose’s spirit remained strong. She found joy in playing cards and treasured the friendships she built with the staff and residents at the manor, who became like extended family.
Rose is survived by her children: Deb (Kenny) Joens, Barb (Craig) Worth, Laurie (Ted) Berndt, Cathy (Mark) Bradley, and Alan Ganje; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Hilda; sister Cora Mae Haskell; and brother Ralph Fish.
Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Rose’s arrangements.