Our Irish Rose

Rosie McNaughton went to Heaven on September 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren. They stood strong and supported one another, just as Rose had taught them to do throughout her life. A celebration of life will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. A visitation we be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday October 16, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. 

As they lovingly cared for her, they managed her pain, shared memories, listened to music, and made sure all her favorite games were on television. They laughed, reminisced, and reflected on what a wonderful mother and grandmother she had been. When the time came, they gave her permission to let go, assuring her that they would be okay. Together, they surrounded her with the same love and strength she had given them for so many years.

Rose was born to Irene and Dan Hodgins on May 20, 1938, in Jackson, Nebraska. She was the seventh of 16 children and grew up on a farm, where she learned early the meaning of love, patience, discipline, and hard work.

Known as one of the toughest Irish girls in Jackson, Rose was a force to be reckoned with. She demanded respect, fiercely protected her family, and made it clear that nobody should mess with her or the people she loved. Beneath that tough exterior was a woman who was loved by everyone she encountered.

Growing up in such a large family taught Rose about love, loss, and the importance of faith. She helped raise her younger siblings and experienced heartbreaking losses, including the deaths of several brothers at an early age. Through life's most difficult moments, her faith carried her forward and helped shape the strong woman her family knew and loved.

Then came Jerry McNaughton, the love of her life. Strong-willed and tough in his own way, Jerry found his match in Rose. Together, they built a life and raised their family for more than 52 years. And while Jerry may have been the man of her life, everyone knew who ruled the house—and Rose did it well!

Thank you, Mom, for the life you built, the love you gave, and the strength you instilled in all of us.

Together, Rose and Jerry raised four children: Randy, Jeff, Brian, affectionately known as “Mad Dog,” and her baby girl, Lisa. Her children were her heart, and her growing family became her greatest pride and joy.

Rose adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and as known as Grandma Roro. Keeping her family close was one of the great purposes of her life. She was immensely proud of each of them, and they brought her more happiness than words could ever express. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she shared will continue through every generation.

Throughout her working years, Rose was employed at Zenith, Johnson Biscuit, and Siouxland Beverage, where she made lasting memories and friendships. She also had a passion for sports and proudly cheered on her favorite teams. Her loyalties were clear: Notre Dame first, followed by the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Denver Broncos, and the Minnesota Vikings. Game days were always better when Rose had her favorite teams on television!

Rose was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry McNaughton; son, Brian “Mad Dog” McNaughton; parents, Irene and Dan Hodgins; brothers, Robert, Jerome, Thomas, an infant brother who died at birth, Jim, Patrick, Paul, Bill, and Doug; sisters, Betty Newburn, Donna Young, and Margaret Schmeckpeper; great-granddaughter, Maelynn McNaughton; and several beloved nieces and nephews, including Leonard “Barry” Young, James Hodgins, Kurt Hodgins, Bill Hodgins, John Hodgins, Toni Hodgins and most recently, Alicia Hodgins.

She is survived by her children, Randy, Jeff, and Lisa; brothers, Emmett (Robyn), Steve (Mary), and Ron; seven grandchildren, Randy Ray, Meghan, Shannon, Rikki, Mckenzie, Taylor, and Tanner (Mikaela); eleven great-grandchildren, Aadyn, Kellie, Jadyn, Hunter, Coner, Emmy, Rosalie, Hazel, Nash, Tanner Jr., Gracie, and many other beloved family members and friends who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

Rose will always be remembered as our Irish Rose: a strong, fiercely loyal woman with a big heart, an unwavering faith, and a love for her family that never wavered. She taught us to be strong, to stand together, to protect the people we love, and to find our way through life's hardest moments.

We are not saying goodbye. Our Irish Rose will be with us forever—in our memories, in our stories, in our laughter, and in the family she loved so dearly.

Until we meet again. Thank you for everything.