Rosella F. Tabor passed away Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at Brighton Gardens of Prairie Village. She was born May 16, 1922, in Wiley, Colo., to her parents Elijah and Pluma Pruitt. Rose was the fifth of six children. Rose grew up in Colorado, Michigan, California and Missouri, and graduated from Cabool High School when she was 16 years old. She worked in banking and then married Mr. Clarence Lee Tabor with whom she happily spent more than 40 years. Rose lived in St. Louis for many years while her husband served as board member and vice president/general manager of Ozark Airlines. They took early retirement in 1969, and moved to Springfield, Mo. Eight years ago, Rose moved to Kansas City to live closer to her family.
An avid gardener and superb bridge player, she was a good friend and neighbor and an active volunteer in her communities. Rose served in various roles over the years, including on the Cox Medical Center Auxiliary Board in Springfield and as an officer of a St. Louis chapter of the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri. Rose was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ Church. She is survived by her daughter, Lori McKinley, two grandchildren, Michael McKinley and Elizabeth McKinley Tuttle, four great-grandchildren, sister, Fern Burdan of Lee’s Summit and beloved nieces and nephew. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, George Pruitt, and three sisters, Hazel Snelson, Vera Cornwell and Mildred Pruitt. A memorial celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 333 West Meyer Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64113. Burial will be in Springfield. The family would like to acknowledge and thank Continua Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Outreach International. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.