Rose M. Szelis

Rose M Szelis, 81, of Zanesville, passed at 8:25 pm Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN. Rose was born on January 26, 1944, in Huntington, IN, the daughter of Firmer Shaffer and Edith (Ludwig) Shaffer. She graduated from Huntington Catholic High School with the class of 1963. Rose married the love of her life, Rex Eugene Szelis on August 31, 1963, in Huntington. Rose and Rex shared forty-two wonderful years of marriage before his passing on September 24, 2005. Together, they were blessed with three sons, and Rose treasured the years she spent at home, pouring her heart into raising them. Rose had a deep love for nature. She found peace and happiness in planting trees, growing flowers and traveling to national parks. Rose especially loved taking her family on picnics to nearby parks, where the simple joy of being together made the days unforgettable. She was famous for her potato salad—widely known as the world’s best—and she always made it in large batches, making sure there was plenty for everyone. Rose was an incredible cook and a gifted baker. Her pies and chocolate chip cookies were always a favorite at gatherings. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, Rose enjoyed going out to eat with her family, simply savoring the time spent together. Her greatest joy was caring for the people she called family, and she showed her love not through grand gestures, but through the everyday kindness that defined her. Survivors include her two loving sons, Tim (Denise) Szelis of Huntington, IN Tony Szelis of Zanesville, IN; five grandchildren, Preston, Stephen, Jessica, Braylon, Avery; nine great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Ann Szelis of Warren, IN. She is preceded in death by her parents, Firmer & Edith Shaffer, husband, Rex Eugene Szelis, and son, Edward Szelis. Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary with Pastor Mike Tarr officiating. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory. Preferred memorials to the Roanoke Baptist Church, in care of Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Adkins Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Rose M Szelis.

Rose M. Szelis

January 26, 1944 - December 28, 2025