Rose Ann (Montana) Sandoval

Rose Ann (Montana) Sandoval, 89, Rockford, passed away Monday, September 13, 2021, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Rose was one of 11 brothers and sisters (a large Italian family). She was born June 9, 1932, in Rockford, the daughter of Peter and Catherine (Maggio) Montana. She met the love of her life, Florencio “Sandy” Sandoval, who had made Rockford his home after being discharged from the Army at Camp Grant in Rockford. Rose grew up near Beyer Stadium and was somewhat of a “tomboy” being raised with so many brothers and was very athletic. Many people don’t know that she had a successful try out with the Rockford Peaches organization, but her parents were not willing to let her go. A couple of Rose’s friends did go on to be a Rockford Peach.
Rose cherished her daughters and sons–in-law and she especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. None of them could do anything wrong in her eyes. The great- grandchildren also adored being with their “Granny Rose” who always gave them her undivided attention which often led to sitting down on the floor to join them with play.
Rose was very proud and always complimentary of her adult grandchildren and was always happy and proud of their accomplishments. Rose enjoyed many day trips with her daughters and her favorite place to visit was Lake Geneva. Recently she got to see an Elvis impersonator and talked about that for days!
She often talked about her love for God and she showed her faith through her love and caring of others. Rose’s love for children showed through her support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because her heart was always deeply hurt by the thought of children going through cancer. She always had a soft spot in her heart and overwhelming concern for children who were suffering with any illness but she also she felt that way about anyone who was in pain. She always assumed the role of caregiver because her concern for people defined who she was.
Her love for God, life, family and friends was her secret to longevity. She greatly loved her many nieces and nephews, all of her special friends at Green Castle Senior Living and her loving neighbors from Rock River who she held dearly as family. Rose’s family is grateful for her special friend Pam May who was always available for mom whenever she needed her and often picked her up for lunch and took her grocery shopping. Rose will be greatly missed by all those who had the great pleasure of knowing her because she always brought such joy into their lives. We will never ever forget Dr. Maria Al Basha for saving mom’s life 16 years ago because without her care and healing mom would have never known the amazing joy she has experienced in knowing her 9 beautiful great grandchildren. She truly had a wonderful life!

Survived by her daughters, Sandy (Gil) Stansell and Kathy (Denny) Reina; her grandchildren, Mike (Teresa) Norris, Dave Norris, Keli (Geoff) Reints, Marissa (Matt) Ebert, Angela (Ryan) Turvold, and Andrea (Nick Vecchione) Reina; her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Dalton and Jameson Norris, Elle and Ivy Reints, Egan Peterson, Ada Ebert, Adrian Vecchione and Annabella Turvold; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Florencio and 10 brothers and sisters.
Private family graveside services will be held at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.