Rosella Ann Krier

Rosella was born November 26, 1931, to George Budke and Christine (Sahlfeld) Budke on the family farm north of Beloit, Kansas, during a blizzard. She was a lifelong resident of Beloit and attended Plum Creek Grade School for eight years before graduating from St. John High School with the Class of 1949.

As a girl, Rosella was very athletic. She joined an acrobatic group managed by Raleigh Weir with six other young girls, performing acrobatic programs for civic, church, and school organizations. Her costume from that time is proudly displayed at the Beloit Historical Museum. She also developed the gift of playing the piano by ear with the help of a cousin who shared her love of music.

On August 1, 1950, Rosella married the love of her life, Clarence Joseph Krier, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Beloit. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, welcoming one daughter and four sons.

During the early years of their 56 years of marriage, Rosella devoted herself to raising their family. After moving to the homestead on Asherville Road in 1956, they established a small dairy operation with up to 12 cows, providing fresh milk and cream to dozens of customers.

On January 1, 1963, Clarence opened Krier Electric and Supply Company, where Rosella faithfully served as bookkeeper and assisted in countless ways. In 1977, they expanded their family business by opening Krier Big A Auto Parts across the street from the original location.

Another special gift Rosella shared was making rosaries for missions, family, and friends. She learned this craft from a fellow parishioner using "seed beads" provided by mission organizations.

Clarence and Rosella retired in 1989, selling their business to two of their sons, Tom and Doug. They spent many happy years golfing with friends in tournaments throughout the surrounding area.

Rosella's Catholic faith was at the center of her life. She faithfully served St. John's Catholic Church as a sacristan, lector, choir member, and dedicated volunteer. She lovingly sewed infant baptismal garments for the parish and enjoyed creating clothing and other sewn items for herself and her family. In later years, she found great joy in piecing and hand-quilting quilts and was an active member of the St. John's Women's Quilting Group, following in her mother's footsteps.

Above all else, Rosella's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother who delighted in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always offering her love, encouragement, and quiet support. She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, gentle spirit, and the many lives she touched through her service, kindness, and love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence; sons Thomas and Kenneth; her parents; brother and sister-in-law Duane (Audrey) Budke; sister and brother-in-law Mary Alice (Yale) Gentry; brother Paul Budke; and son-in-law Jerry Hauth.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Kathleen Krier Hauth, Tulsa, OK; Dennis (Susie) Krier, Concordia, KS; Doug (Darcy Higgins) Krier, Beloit, KS; grandchildren: Greg Hauth, Lauren Silverman, Matt (Hillary) Hauth, Adam Krier, Kyle (Laura) Krier, Kendra Krier (Zach Garst), Zach (Jill) Krier, Jordan (Mariah) Krier, Lindsay (Blake) Klema, Seth (Katie) Krier, Molly (David) Knappert, Morgan (Andrew) Troyer; and great-grandchildren: Liam Silverman; Harper and Henry Hauth; Alexis and Natalie Krier; Austin, Ayden and Ayslynn Krier; Bella Stuber, Skylah and Beckham Garst; Camden and Kaylee Krier; River Krier; Leah, Bowe, Hannah and Cole Klema; Samuel Krier; Isabel, Audrey, Dominic and Jonah Knappert; and Delaney, Micah, Levi, and Adelaide Troyer.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 27th, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Beloit followed by a burial at St. John's Cemetery and a luncheon at the Knights of Columbus Hall. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26th, at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be 2:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 26th with family present from 2:00-4:00 p.m. 

Memorials may be given to the St. John's Memorial Trust Fund or Solomon Valley Hospice.