Rose Lee Varnell

Rose Lee Varnell, lifelong Mannford area resident, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday March 14, 2008 at the Silver Lake Care Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at the age of seventy-five.

Rose Lee was born August 23, 1932 in Terlton, Oklahoma; the daughter of Robert and Virginia (Burnett) Chambers. She attended her early education in Jennings and then moved with her family to California for a few years. She later returned to the Mannford, Oklahoma area and graduated from Mannford High School in 1950.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Rose Lee was married to Mavis Dean Varnell on June 9, 1950. The couple made their home in Mannford and had three children, a stillborn infant son, Robert "Bobby", and Muriel Ann. She was a longtime member of the Friendship Community Church in Mannford. Rose Lee loved to crochet, sharing the fruits of her labor, many afghans and baby blankets with friends and family. She also had a passion for baking which allowed her family and church family to enjoy her pies and cakes. She had a soft heart for animals and she was always willing to help every little one that came along in need of caring. Although she loved animals, Rose Lee dedicated her life to caring for her family and was especially proud of her two grandsons, Brian and Matthew. Her husband, Mavis preceded her in death on December 10, 1983. In spite of the adversities in her life, Rose Lee always had a smile and positive attitude. She continued to reside in Mannford until July of 2001 when she relocated to Bartlesville to be near her daughter and family.

Rose Lee is survived by a son, Robert "Bobby Varnell of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; a daughter and her husband, Muriel and Rick Austin of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; two grandsons, Brian and Matthew Austin, both of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; three sisters, Betty Rooks of Prue, Oklahoma, DonEtta Barker of Turley, Oklahoma and Earlene Riddle of Hennessey, Oklahoma; and a host of neices and nephews as well as many friends. In addition to her husband, Rose Lee was preceded in death by her parents and an infant son.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 17, 2008 at the Chapel of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home with Rev. David Head and Pastor Delores Terrell officiating. Burial will be at the Oakhill Cemetery in Mannford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the SPCA of your choice or any other animal shelter. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at www.chapman-black.com