Rose Eileen Gertisser Hicks died peacefully in the early morning hours of December 7, 2023 at her residence in Rockhill Mennonite Community.  She was 103 years old.

Born on June 7, 1920 in the Queens section of NYC, she was the only child of Charles Gertisser (b. July 12, 1892; d.November 22, 1982) and Rose Louise Geistodt Gertisser (b. March 25, 1896; d.February 2, 1988).  They lived in Hempstead, NY located on Long Island, along with Rose's aunt, Helen M. Geistodt.  Helen was very influential in Rose's childhood, taking her to church regularly, and introducing her to the arts. Rose was classically trained on the violin, and in browsing her sheet music, became quite accomplished.  Rose was baptized at The First Baptist Church in Hempstead at age 19, and she remained a faithful servant of her Savior until her death.

Rose earned an undergraduate degree from Hofstra University in NY and then went on to study at Columbia Bible College in Columbia, SC graduating in 1946.  She spent many years after her time at CBC as a missionary in Swaziland, teaching English to many young girls.  She also did secretarial work both on and off the mission field.

Rose met Earle Hicks (b. April 30, 1892) while in South Africa, and in 1966 they were married.  They remained married until his death on November 4, 1986.

Rose lived most of her senior years at Rockhill Mennonite Community.  She served as Treasurer of the Resident's Association and she volunteered her time in the library for many years.  She sought out opportunities to help her neighbors often driving them to their doctor appointments. She continued her life-long interest in education by taking classes at Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, completing courses in Greek and in Genesis.  Rose was a long time member of Immanuel Leidy's Church in Souderton, PA, where she served on the Missions Committee while there.

She will be buried next to her husband at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA.

Arrangements by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home, Telford, PA.