Linda Lee McMillion Rose, age 83 of Hillsboro, departed this world for Heaven December 25, 2023. Linda passed away from complications due to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. Linda was surrounded by her family as she peacefully departed.
Born March 3, 1940, in Lobelia, she was a daughter of the late Orville and Veda Cutlip McMillion. Linda was one of six children.
She married Leroy Curtis Rose January 31, 1959. The couple spent their early years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and welcomed a son, Gary Thomas, and a daughter, Leigh Ann. Upon returning to West Virginia, the family purchased a farm in Lobelia and welcomed a daughter, Debra Lynn.
Leroy and Linda settled onto the farm raising cattle and hogs. Leroy and Linda moved to Hillsboro in their retirement and lived there until their passing.
Linda’s life was defined by love and service to her family, friends and community. Linda and her husband were entrepreneurs owning several businesses through the years. Linda never met a stranger and thrived in her role as storekeeper at Rose’s Market, the convenient store she and her husband owned. In later years, with an extraordinary green thumb, Linda helped her family in various greenhouse ventures. She was an avid gardener, growing both flowers and vegetables.
Linda was a caregiver to many, including her beloved husband whom she cared for over the course of many years. Her loving home was always full of an assortment of grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren. Linda was a superb cook and baker. Upon entering her home, one would find cookies, candies and something hot simmering on the stove.
She was an inspiration to her family, forever the optimist, moving forward confidently. She had an enthusi- asm for life that was not extinguished by age. She loved to host dinners and throw parties for her family and friends up until her passing. Linda was an animal lover and, over the years, many a dog held a special place in her heart.
Linda’s selflessness, wit and love of life brought many years of joy and happiness to her family and her community; she will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Rose; four brothers, Carl, Denver, Eddie and Leo McMillion; and her sister, Essie King.
She is survived by her son, Gary (Ronda) Rose, of Hillsboro; daughters, Leigh Ann (Greg) Hoffman, of Valley Head, and Debra (Brian) Williams, of Huntington; grandchildren, Nicole (Justin) Rose-Taylor, Jennifer (Jimmy) Chaney, Amy (Noah) Pugh, Katie (Josh) Arbogast, Jessica (Brent) Gladwell, Matthew (Casey) Kidd, Marcus (Gracie) Reynolds, Steven (Kenzie Blake) Rose, Cody (Taylor) Williams, Chase Williams, Ryan Hoffman and Abbie Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Luke, Abigail and Lydia Taylor, Owen, Finn and Willow Chaney, Emma, Ella, Cooper and Thomas Pugh, Kya and Myka Arbogast, Baileigh, Josie and Rylee Gladwell, Parker Kidd, Kadynce and Knox Rose and Rowan and Renley Williams.
A funeral service was held Saturday, December 30, 2023, at VanReenen Funeral Home. Interment was in Emanuel Cemetery on Bruffey Creek, followed by a Celebration of Life at Westview Baptist Church on Caesar Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westview Baptist Church, 4841 Lobelia Rd, Hillsboro, WV 24946.
