Rose Egger

Rose Egger, a beloved member of the Ellis and Hays communities, passed away on June 24, 2024, at HaysMed in Hays. She was born on August 21, 1941, in Ellis, Kansas, to Alois and Evelyn, (Schmeidler) Rupp, where she grew up and cultivated lifelong connections and friendships.

Rose married James O’Rourke on October 17, 1959. They had two sons, Kevin and Sean. After James’s passing, she later met and married Douglas Egger on November 29, 1997. Her blended family was a source of happines for her as it allowed her to embrace the roles of grandmother and great grandmother. She derived joy from supporting her grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their activities. 

She had an infectious laugh and found joy in celebrating birthdays with her chocolate sheet cakes, her time at home with family, and her weekly trips to the beauty shop. 

Rose had a passion for gardening and flowers and appreciation for the outdoors and was blessed with the best neighbors. 

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands: James O'Rourke and Douglas Egger, siblings: Helen Richardson, Alois Rupp, Norman Rupp, Anton Rupp, John J. Rupp, and sons: Sean and Kevin. 

She is survived by stepdaughters; Renee Rupp (Dave) of Hays, Kansas, Raimy Hester (Keith) of Hutchinson, Kansas; brothers Clarence Rupp of Ellis, Kansas, James Rupp (Henrietta) of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church - Ellis. Inurnment will follow the services in the church cemetery. Memorial visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM with a combined rosary and parish vigil service at 7 PM at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s School in Ellis, and the ARC of Central Plains. Please make checks payable to the organization of your choice. 

Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Rose's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com. 

Services are in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, KS 67637.