Rose Ferris

MADISON - Rose Marie Ferris, age 75, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare after a heroic 20 year battle with emphysema. Born in Ashland, Oregon on January 12, 1938 to Alfred Donald Ogden and Zeta Leona Firestone, Rose Marie was the youngest of five children. She married Charles Edwin Ferris on July 29, 1956. They lived in Fresno, Eureka and Santa Barbara, California before relocating their family of three boys to Stevens Point, Wis. A fourth son, Michael Victor, was born in 1976. In 1977, Rose Marie and family moved to Madison where she resided until her passing.

Rose Marie was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was a gifted and prolific writer who penned 14 romance novels and 2 mysteries, including "The Heart's Awakening", "To Tame a Man" and "Button, Button". Her 1991 novel, "Double Dare", earned a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Certificate of Excellence.

Rose Marie is survived by her three sons, Steven Charles (Elizabeth), William Dean (Alice) and David Paul; grandchildren, Emma, Kegan and Matthew. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Michael Victor and husband, Charles.

A memorial service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rose Marie's name to UNICEF or Agrace HospiceCare.

Godspeed Taillight.