Lessley, Rose Marie August 23, 1928 - January 23, 2023

Rose Marie (Mantonya) Lessley passed from this life on January 23, 2023 from a brief illness at the age of 94 years, 5 months. She was at her home with family by her side, just as she would have wanted. The Lord said, “Come on Home, Rosie,” and she didn’t hesitate! For as much as she loved us, she loved Jesus more!

Rose was born on August 23, 1928 in rural Warsaw, MO to William Earl Mantonya and Flora Mae (Coones) Mantonya. Her sister, Violet Louise was born 11 months later. In the early 1940’s Flora married Morris Chilson and three little brothers were added to the family: Donald Lee, Robert, and David Chilson. The family moved a lot during the depression seeking work in Missouri, Oklahoma, and California. She was raised with a strong faith and trust in God. Even though times were tough, they knew God would provide a way. Rose accepted the Lord as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Enid, Ok. at the age of 15.

Rose graduated from high school at Ringwood HS in Ringwood OK. After graduating she went to a secretarial school. The majority of her working career was in clerical and office work. One of her favorite “jobs” in recent years was going with Heather to volunteer at the school. She loved helping the teachers and getting to know some of the children and other volunteers.

She met Troy Lee Lessley in the Sacramento, CA area while visiting her family. Troy was visiting his sister who lived near Rose’s family. As the story goes, she and her family were walking down the sidewalk on their way to church. Troy turned to his sister and said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” She said, “A sweet girl like that won’t give you the time of day!”

Well, I guess she did. They were married on March 28, 1952 and were married almost 50 years before he passed away on December 26, 2001. They did a lot of traveling in the first 5 years of marriage. Together they were blessed with three children; Marie Antoinette (Toni), Terry Lee, and Patrick Alexander Lessley.

Rose was known for her sweet smile and loving, giving, gentle, humble spirit. She was the most loving and giving person you would ever meet. She would do anything she could for someone in need. She gave away a lot of money even though she didn’t have much to give. She loved going to church. It was the highlight of her week and she hated to miss it. She loved her church family dearly.

She was not only Grandma to her family, but to many of the community as well. Everyone called her Grandma Rose. Rose was a faithful servant of the Lord and prayed for her family and friends daily. She may have been a tiny little lady but she was a Mighty Prayer Warrior. The love she had for others was INCREDIBLE!!

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Troy, her sister, Violet Watson, and one brother, Donald Lee Chilson.

She is survived by her brothers, Robert Chilson of Kansas City, and David (Ellen) Chilson of Harrisonville, Mo. Her three children: Toni (Rich) Kiefer of Osceola, Terry (Chris) Lessley of Heavener, OK, and Patrick Lessley of the home.

Six Grandchildren: Livie (Doug) Noakes, Jeremiah (Elle) Kiefer, Sarah Marie (Frank) Davis, Heather (Junior) Murguia, Lesley (Justen) McCarter, and Alexander Troy Lessley.

Twelve Great Grandchildren: Kailee (Robbie) Jones, Hunter Noakes, Anna Noakes, Elise Murguia, Ezekiel Murguia, Emmy Murguia, Lily McCarter, Jaxen McCarter, Matthew White, Caleb White, Jason White, and Chandler Lessley.

Two Great-Great Grandchildren: Karter Allen White and Paisley Grace Jones. Some very special nieces and nephews whom she loved as if they were her own children: Betty (Jerry) Fuller, Judy Watson Powell, Michael Watson, Leon Watson, Paul (Deninne) Watson, Joyce Watson and Danny (Gail) Coones.

She was loved by so many and will be truly missed..