Rose Marie McClain

HOLYOKE, Colo. — Rose Marie McClain, a devoted caregiver and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born on December 22, 1928, to Charles and Grace (Munday) Hulse in Leroy, Colorado, Rose was the eldest daughter of eight children. She grew up in the Rockland community, where she attended Rockland School before her family moved to Haxtun. She later graduated from Haxtun High School in 1948.

Rose dedicated her life to the service of others. As a lifelong caregiver, she worked as a CNA in hospitals and nursing homes, provided private in-home care, and worked with special-needs children. She touched countless lives with her patience and gentle spirit.

In 1948, she married Robert John Lueth, with whom she had one son, Robert Charles. Later, while working at the Shirley Cafe in Haxtun, she met the love of her life, Walter McClain. They married in 1951 and had five children: Betty, David, Dennis, Judy, and Ronnie. Rose and Walt shared a deep belief in the importance of family and were married for 55 years until Walter’s passing in 2006.

Rose found her greatest joy in family gatherings. Her happiest moments were spent at the lake fishing, boating, and camping. Even in her later years, Rose and her sisters met often to play cards. She was rarely seen without a book nearby and spent many quiet hours with word search magazines, crocheting, or latch hooking. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and gathering, famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls and long johns. She found profound joy in simple pleasures: sitting on the porch swing, watching professional wrestling or HSN, hunting for night crawlers, and tending to her beloved doll collection. She will be remembered for her unwavering heart, her resilience, and her playful nature.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter McClain; two sons, Robert Lueth and Ronald McClain; a grandson, Walter Klassen; five siblings, Jimmy Hulse (Mae Yvonne), Ruby Heller (Leslie), Jean Schumacher (Harlow), Charles Hulse (Viola), and Derrell Hulse; her sister, Charlotte Hulse; and her brother-in-law, Robert Stowe.

She is survived by her children: Betty Klassen (John), David McClain (Jeanne), Dennis McClain (Beverley), and Judy Hellman (Cody); daughter-in-law, Susie Bennett and Sister, Dorris Stowe; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Regent Park staff, especially Kimber and Adriana. A celebration of Rose’s life will be held on March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Baucke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to a local caregiver support organization.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.