Rose M. Castillo

Rose Marie Castillo, January 17, 1934 — July 21, 2024, El Paso, Rose Marie Castillo lived a full and admirable life. The oldest of four children Rose was born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii to parents David & Ascencion Koerte on January 17, 1934. At the tender age of 17 Rose met her future husband, Jose (El Paso native), at a Marine ball in Honolulu. A strong-willed soul, Rose bravely left her hometown at 18 to marry the Marine who stole her heart, choosing the Hawaiian Wedding Song for their first dance. As military families often do Jose and Rose made their new home several times over in many states; but, always, Rose imbued each place with warmth and grace. In their 72 years together they welcomed three sons and three daughters of whom Rose selflessly devoted herself, and later dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren sharing with them her love of animals, gardening, and sports. Especially softball and bowling! At every age Rose’s eyes sparkled with the flickers of a spitfire spirit and her hands guided with a calm confidence; embodying the importance she placed in choosing quiet strength over pomposity and elevating love before pride. On July 21, 2024, Rose passed away peacefully at home in El Paso, TX surrounded by loved ones. In heaven Rose rejoins her husband Jose Castillo, and their eldest daughter Cynthia Berendzen. On earth, her sons Robert (Cynthia), David (Ronda), and Michael (Sandra), daughters Patricia and Suzanne, and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry her legacy forward. She will be sorely missed and always remembered. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 pm with a Prayer Service to begin at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home - Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Del Sol Church East, 11501 Vista Del Sol Dr. Committal Service to follow at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.