Rose Regina Lonberger (Lonnie) Magers passed away at home on Wednesday, March 28th, 2019.
Rose, a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, was born on Oct. 19th, 1923 to Elizabeth (Hansman) and Malcolm Lonberger. She was the oldest of the tribe that included her sisters Dorothy and Carolyn and brother Jim. They all grew up on Alton Avenue in St. Anthony’s parish on the westside.
Rose attended St. John’s Academy, an all-girl Catholic High school, in downtown Indianapolis where she made lifelong cherished friends that were affectionately known as “The Club”. These gals met frequently throughout their lives even up to a few weeks ago. Any mention of the club gals would always bring a light to her eyes!
Rose earned her BSN from St Vincent’s School of Nursing in Indianapolis. After becoming an RN, she enlisted and served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Corps of Nurses and served in Austria in WWII. Her main duties were to care for and prepare wounded soldiers for their journey back home. We know she touched many lives in those days providing comfort with her warm smile, easy manner, and great sense of humor.
While in nursing school Rose befriended a classmate, Pat Magers, who introduced her to her brother, Frank. This introduction would lead to a marriage spanning nearly 70 years, (until Frank’s death two years ago) and nine children, Steve, Kathy, David, Greg, John, Janet, Ann, Kent, and Cary, 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 7 great, great-grandchildren.
There are so many stories we could share with all of you… Rose loved her kids, her grandkids, and the extended family they brought in to her home and into her heart (you know we are talking about you Mattingly boys!)
She loved heading up to the lake, for many years with her dog Missy at her side, to Rose’s Roost and sharing an evening playing cards with her family, laughter and bantering abounding into the wee hours! Cheyenne anyone??
On her many outings with her sisters she was often known to take a tumble prompting one of her sisters to exclaim… ”She’s down again!”. She always chuckled at that one and all the (mis)adventures they shared.
Over the years, Rose planted many gardens leaving beautiful remnants of where she lived behind her, always bringing transplants from one yard to the next. Her bird feeders were always full and she made sure animals were always welcome wherever she lived. She delighted in the sightings of owls, deer and fox or a rare bird at the feeder.
Reading was one of her life’s joys. In later years, Rose could always be found with an English mystery in her lap with two or three more stacked in waiting. But ..only after she had started her day with a black cup of coffee, and the daily jumble and crossword folded and completed beside her.
She loved listening to all the family adventures and saying “Thank god I didn’t know about that at the time” …feigning lack of knowledge of her children’s dubious whereabouts and activities…all the while reveling in the story.
Lonnie lived a very full life that encompassed over 95 years of experiences that she shared with so many loved ones…a wonderful journey. She will be missed by all that remain but so fondly remembered! Please share your own story of Rose with us. Her family would love to hear them.
Rose is survived by eight of her nine children (we won’t list them all!), their spouses, her sister Carolyn Davey, brother in-law Mick Magers, her loving Club friends – Rita, Margie and Yvonne – her very loved grandkids, as well of lots of nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Frank, her eldest son Steve, granddaughter Kerensa, sister Dorothy and brother Jim.
Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. Visitation will be from 11 a.m – 1 p.m. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cara Miller says
When I think of Rose, I remember her sweet welcoming smile and sparkling eyes that had both love and mischief in them. I saw both of these the day I last saw her. I know she is with the Lord now and I expect to meet her again in Heaven. I look forward to that day! God bless and give comfort to David and John and all her dear family. Love, Cara Miller, CNA
Patrick Sweeney says
I am one of the “Club Girls” Kids and have nothing but fond memories of Rose, Frank, and the entire Magers family. It has been many, many years since I last saw and talked to Rose but she always brought a smile to my face with her pleasant nature and quick wit. I will also remember, and have a special, loving, memory, of Rose, as well as the other “Club Girls”, for the way they all always included my mother whenever they got together; even through the most horrible last stages of mom’s Alzheimer’s Disease. Rose, and all of those ladies were, and are, a very special breed and are people whom we should all emulate!
God rest Rose’s soul and may she be enjoying her final, well deserved, rest withe her God as well as all who have gone before her.
My sincerest condolences,
Patrick Sweeney (Gerrie’s kid)
Norma Walker says
Our condolences go out to all her family and friends. We know she will be missed.
Jean and Dean Walker
Peggy Newman Herrod says
I spent an awesome 2-3 hours with Rose when I was in Nursing School. Our assignment was to interview an older nurse about her experience. I will always cherish my time spent with her, talking about nursing, life, and the beloved Club. 💗🌹
Jeannie McCalley TeKolste says
I remember fondly summer picnics at the Mager’s house in Carrollton Avenue, with Frank and Dad(Dick McCalley) grilling while Rose and Mom (Ellie) prepared food and tended to scraped knees while the bunch of us kids ran around the yard. We had some fun times, Mom & Dad treasured their long time friends. I imagine they are reuniting in a far better place. My condolences to all! Jeannie
Susan Davey says
Aunt Rose always had a lovely, mischievous smile and a way of letting everyone in on the joke – – life was to be embraced and enjoyed. I only wish I had been able to know her better.
I’m glad she lived a life so full of wonderful memories. I know those memories will be a great comfort to all who miss her.
She was one of kind!
Patricia Ripoll Gil says
Family Albentosa Ripoll
Our condolences to all her family, specially to Jan, Steve ,Jake and Frank.
Our sweetest hugs with all our love from Spain to all of you!
José Manuel,Patricia,Guille and Patri.
Giovanna Macri says
My condolences to All the family.
Although I had not seen Rose in a long time, her smile and caring nature has always stayed with me.
The wonderful memories help the heart heal.
Eileen MacIntyre says
To Janet, her sibs and all of the extended family who knew and loved her Mom – I am so sorry to read of your loss; there is so much love in your family and we are grateful to be a part of that. May love and faith comfort and bring all through the pain of this loss. Who are we really? Hopefully we are the best part of those we have loved.
Eileen MacIntyre and Mike Curry
Andrea McCalley Perkins says
To our pals from Carrollton
We sure had some fun running around your yard and sneaking in the secret room of your old house! Patty and I had many fun overnights!
Remember us having competition over who’s Mom could yell the loudest, never did know for sure who won that! Mostly, I remember your Mom’s smile and laughter. Both our families were sure blessed with amazing Moms! May we model their love and care for one another and may they rest in God’s beautiful garden.. They surely deserve it putting up with all of us kids!
Patty McCalley Roach says
Rose and Frank were my Godparents! I so wish I would have learned of her passing before today.
I will remember her laugh mostly. love and condolences to all of the Magers! Rest In Peace Rose.
Patty McCalley Roach
Mary Sweeney says
Rose and mom (Gerrie) were the best of friends, now enjoying a cup of tea together again. Memories of Club picnics and watching special friends will always be remembered . God bless you Rose
Kathryn M. Lee says
Condolences from Kathryn Lee, of the Lee family formerly across the street at 1440 Bellevue Place. Remembrances of us (Steve, Kathy, David, John) playing together as children. God bless he family.
Kathryn M. Lee says
Condolences from a member of the Lee family formerly across the street at 1440 Bellevue Place. Remembrances of us (Steve, Kathy, David, John) playing together as children. God bless the family.