Rosetta June Cariker

Rosetta June Cariker, 82, passed away on May 26, 2025, at St. David’s Hospital, Round Rock, TX after courageously battling several life-threatening conditions over the years. Despite these challenges, she repeatedly returned to a good quality of life, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience. Rose was born in Abilene, TX in 1943, the first daughter of Jack D. Kelley and Rosa Lee (Snodgrass) Kelley. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 46 years, Donald Lee Cariker, and her cherished daughter, Angela Rose Kelley. Rose is also deeply missed by her brothers James Kelley, Tim Kelley and her sisters Sherry Aldridge and Jacquie Chrz. Her extended family includes brothers-in-law Ace Cariker, Frank Cariker, Pete Parker, and sisters-in-law Mary Ann Kelley and Charlotte Kelley. Rose treasured her large family, including her beloved grandchildren, Cody Cariker and Traci R. Clark, her precious great grandchildren, stepchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family—each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also mourned by dear friends such as Connie Pinget, Rita Sholly, and many others who will carry her in their hearts. Rose grew up on a farm, where she pulled cotton as a child, harvested food from the family garden, and drove her father’s truck to town to sell produce to local grocers. She attended Jim Ned High School through the ninth grade, when she left school to help her mother with household and farm duties and care for her younger siblings. She also spent time picking blackberries at her Grandma and Grandpa Snodgrass’ patch—a place she loved and later shared with her daughter, whom she taught to pick with the same fervor, if not quite the same skill. Watch out if there was a game of Yahtzee or dominoes on the table, you could count on Rose to be in the middle of it—laughing, competing and making memories. In her 20s, Rose adopted Angie and was a single mom for years. She later married Donald Lee in 1977. They met through a mutual friend, Glenda, who introduced them at one of Don’s baseball games. As they say, the rest is history. Rose worked for many years at CG Conn on the assembly line, crafting brass horns and forming lasting friendships. Later, she joined a cleaning and maintenance crew for apartment complexes. A passionate lifelong gardener and exceptional cook, Rose also took pleasure in keeping a tidy home when she was able and found immense joy in treasure hunting and thrifting. Alongside Don and teammates, she won several water volleyball trophies—a sport they played almost daily and truly enjoyed. Besides spending time with friends and talking to family, she especially looked forward to the Cariker Family Reunions. Over the years, Rose’s heartstrings were tugged by many animal friends—most especially two beloved Yorkies: Muffin and, later, tiny Tess. Both were rescues, and both became cherished companions who brought her comfort, joy, and unconditional love every day of their lives. In her youth, Rose was a striking redhead with a Barbie doll figure and legs for miles. She had a sharp sense of humor and a love for music, especially country, bluegrass, and old gospel. In her later years, Rose embraced many “firsts,” including her first flight and first library card. Even as her health declined, she continued to live fully, explore new interests, and connect with those she loved. She remained fiery and full of spirit until the very end. ~ "If she stays out in the garden from morning to night, just let her. It’s not the garden that needs care. It’s her.”

Rosetta June Cariker

May 7, 1943 - May 26, 2025