Rose Frances Cerne Hrovat Slee

August 23, 1925 – February 4, 2026

Rose passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the age of 100. Rose was born on August 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Louise (Zabukavec) Cerne. She spent most of her life in the Cleveland area, where she worked as a waitress and business owner while raising her family. In 2002, she moved to the St. Louis, Missouri area near her daughter Shari and grandson Lewis, and she remained there for the last 24 years of her life. Rose was a devoted and hardworking woman who continued working well into her early 90s. After relocating to St. Louis, she worked at Sam's Club as a food demonstrator and later at TALX/Equifax in the mailroom. She lived independently until the final months of her life, a reflection of her strength, determination, and spirited nature. Rose had a deep love for animals. Over the years she cared for horses, goats, cats, and dogs, and she delighted in feeding the squirrels, birds, and deer that gathered outside her home. She had a playful sense of humor, enjoyed joking with family and friends, and was known for her lighthearted pranks and warm personality. A devout Catholic throughout her life, Rose's faith was central to who she was. She spent many hours each day in prayer and faithfully reciting the Rosary. Her faith, resilience, and strong work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Rose was proud of her Slovenian heritage. Her parents immigrated from Yugoslavia to the United States in the very early 1900s She carried a deep appreciation for her family's roots throughout her life. She and her sisters loved the sound of a polka and a lively polka dance at a wedding or family gathering always brought her joy.

Rose is survived by her devoted children, Shari Lucarelli and Don Hrovat and his wife Pat. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Lewis Lucarelli and his wife Danielle, Scott Hrovat and his wife Amanda, and Elizabeth (nee Hrovat) Vilardell and her husband Janot. She was proud of her great-grandchildren to include Ethan Lucarelli; Alyssa Ketsenburg and her husband Kyle; Maddie Schaeffer and her husband CJ; Morgann Stuhlman and her husband Kyle; Bristol Hrovat, Bree Hrovat, Broden Hrovat, and Conner Hrovat. She was also blessed with 2 great-great-grandchildren, Parker Ketsenburg and Kaidyn Stuhlman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Louise Cerne, and by her siblings Louise Vercheck, Mary "Mae" Papes, Josephine "Josie", Stanley, Joseph, and Victoria Cerne.

Rose will be remembered for her strong work ethic, deep faith, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, prayer, and devotion that will continue to guide those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 23, 2026 Incarnate Word Catholic Church 13416 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 Visitation: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Immediately following Mass, there will be a procession to Bellerive Gardens Cemetery 740 North Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141 for inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html). May she rest in the peace of Christ.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home  osfuneralhomes.com