Rose Marie Orr

Rose Marie Smith Orr, 81, Indianapolis; beloved wife, mother of eight, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away September 6, 2018, surrounded by family.

She was born September 20, 1936, in Little Rock, AK., to Edward A. Smith and Vira Mae LeMaster Smith. A 1953 graduate of Little Rock High School, she later attended Little Rock Junior College. As a teenager, Rose was a competitive roller figure skater and it was at the roller rink that she met the love of her life, John Edward Orr. They were married June 1, 1957 and resided in Little Rock. In 1959, the young couple moved to Indiana (Greenwood and Indianapolis) to work and start a family. In the early 1990s, John and Rose moved to Kettle, KY., where they continued to work and volunteer in their community. After her husband’s death on June 21, 2015, Rose moved back to Indianapolis in the summer of 2016.

Rose’s proudest achievements were being a devoted wife and a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also relished sharing her love of reading with others, especially children.

For nearly two decades, Rose also channeled her passion for books and education to roles with the Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Warren Township. She served as a teacher’s aide for three of the district’s elementary schools from 1975 to 1977 and then as a library clerk for Heather Hills Elementary School from 1977 to 1993. Her prior employment included office and administrative roles with Indiana Insurance and earlier Arkansas Farm Bureau. She was an active member of Nativity Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN., Holy Cross Catholic Church of Burkesville, KY., and Christ the King Catholic Church in Tompkinsville, KY., as well as the Catholic Youth Organization and the Warren Township Parent-Teacher Association.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, John Edward Orr; her parents, Edward and Vira Mae Smith; her brother Jimmy Knox; her cousin Margaret Smith; sisters-in-law Collette Kenward and Colleen Abate; and nieces Janine Kenward and Carolyn Abate.

She is survived by her children: Mark Orr (Heather) of Shawnee, KS, Scott Orr (Malinda) of Indianapolis, Denise Goshert (Jeffrey) of Plainfield, IL., Kevin Orr (Sandra Awakuni) of Seattle, WA., Deena Conway (Mark) of Brownsburg, IN., Debra Fife (Kevin) of Indianapolis, Diana Orr (Terry Mitchem) of Andover, MN., Danielle Orr-Bement (Joseph) of Mercer Island, WA.; her brother Charles Edward Smith of the Philippines; her sisters-in-law: Connie Smith of Hensley, AR., Dorthy Francis of Memphis, TN., Leah Orr of Indianapolis, Sharon Fisko (James) of South Bend, IN.; and her brothers-in-law: James Kenward of Glen Ellyn, IL., and Anthony Abate (Midge) of Phoenix, AZ.

In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren: Benjamin (Patricia), Megan, Jacob, Joshua, Matthew, Randy (Kara), Bryan, Carl, Cole, Renna, Bryce (Kate), Jillian, Kristin (Mike), Keagan, Ándréa, Lawson, Ainsley, Bronwyn; and by two great-grandchildren: Max and Aidin; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East. A funeral mass will take place 10:00am on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Nativity Catholic Church, 7225 Southeastern Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46239.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health or to the Mayo Clinic. As Rose was known for her warmth and generosity, performing random acts of kindness would be another way to honor her memory.