Rosalie Marie IronShell
August 19, 1939 ~ October 24, 2021
Rosalie Marie IronShell
Sunrise: August 19th, 1939 Sunset: October 24th, 2021
Resided in Denver, Colorado
Our treasured and beloved mother was called home to be with the Lord on October 24th, 2021, at 3PM due to Covid.
Our mother is preceded in death by her father, Isaac F. IronShell, Sr. Her mother, Susan Standing Bull. Her four brothers: Collins, Arnold, Felix, and Isaac Jr IronShell. Her sisters: Rita Caroline and Geraldine IronShell. Mercy Shellgrove, Zona Bear Stops, Lucille Bothof, Lorraine Walking Bull. As well as our father, Evan Sanchez Sr. Her grandson Santiago Lee Sanchez. Her Youngest daughter, Abby Sanchez.
Our mother is survived by six of her children: Marvin “Santos” Sanchez (Wanda), Carlos Sanchez Sr (Annette), Maria Sanchez-IronShell (Ben), Teresa Sanchez (Carols, R.I.P), Rhonda Sanchez (René), Evan Sanchez Jr. As well as numerous grand children and great grand children and 2 great, great grandchildren. As well as numerous loved ones.
Our mother was born on august 19th 1939, to Issac F. IronShell Sr and Susan Standing Bull on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She attended boarding school in St. Francis S.D. Where she graduation at the age of 17 in 1956. Mom went on to attend college in Sioux Falls South Dakota at the age of 18/19. As well as attending college, she worked and would send her parents money to help them.
Our Mom had met our dad, Evan at the age of 20. When asked what caught her eye, she answered he sure was good looking, his physique, and his dancing skills. They had dated for a short time and married on May 5th, 1960.
On March 13th, 1961, they welcomed their first born, Marvin “Santos”. They continued to have five more children by 1970. After a five-year hiatus our youngest sister was born on March 12th, 1975. We would joke with her about our parents not having a television, she in turn would respond with “I was a good Catholic wife at the time”. Mom had a great sense of Humor as well as being a good sport, which was awesome because all her children are jokesters with some sarcasm mixed in.
Mom and dad would stay married for 11 years and divorce on May 4th, 1971.
We would move back and forth from Wyoming to the Reservation or to Denver. When Grandma Susan got sick mom went back to take care of her mother, which who passed on March 24th, 1974. We then moved back to Denver, where our mom decided we would stay and call home sometime in “74” until we grew up. Those of us whom decided to venture off and plant roots elsewhere. Whether we moved or stayed close by, we all kept in touch with mom.
Mom was a single mother and raised her children to the best of her abilities as well as many of her grandchildren. When we were young, she battled with alcoholism but came to realize her children were more important that alcohol. She did need the assistance of Antabuse to give up drinking, but she did it!
Mom took Antabuse at Auraria Comm. Center which is now know as Denver Inner City Parrish. After she sobered up, she became employed at the same place, Auraria which in turn she would dispense Antabuse to the cliental, some of whom were her old drinking buddies who gave her a hard time. That didn’t make mom waiver. She was proud as well as happy for sobering up.
Mom accepted the Lord as her Savior after giving up drinking. She gave thanks to the lord for his mercy, forgiveness, and giving her a second chance as life. When she passed, she was sober for 44 years and she never regretted it.
Our mother has been faithful in her walk with the lord. Every morning she would pray as well as text prayers out and every evening. Then she would read her bible even as her eyesight faded, and she made sure she continued with reading the word. No matter what came about in her life she would give thanks to the lord.
Mom has always been a rock for her children as well as many more that were in her life. She was such a loving and giving woman. If she would help someone out, she would without hesitation and discretion. She never had any expectation of receiving something in return. If you stated, you’d pay her back and did she would just thank the lord. There are so many stories we could share; the question would be where to start.
One thing about mom was when we were younger, she didn’t play. If she told us to do something, we had better get on it because she didn’t like having to tell us twice… lol. We knew when mom had enough, let it be that certain look or the quickness of a ninja, then we knew we were in trouble. We as a family, we had issues or fights amongst ourselves, but mom never picked sides.
Our mother is the epitome of love and acceptance whether she agreed with our choices. She was there for each and everyone of us. We are all very blessed to call her “Ina” Mother.
Those that knew mom knew she was an avid tea drinker, as well as wanting her favorite Mickey D’s meal, which was a plain hamburger with a side of ranch dressing, a hot tea, and a apple fritter or her lone chocolate donut. Mom wasn’t a person that put value on possessions but on those people in her life meant more to her. She would remind everyone about getting right with the lord so we can have Eternal Life.
Mom was full of Family History, as well as stories, and Precious Moments. At the Age of 82 she was as sharp as a tack and could recall each and everyone of our birthdays. Mom was such a blessing to so many people as well as her family. She would pray for everyone even if she didn’t know them Personally.
We will miss her dearly, but we thank the lord for allowing us to haver her for as long as we did.
This is a goodbye, mother, until we each meet with you again.
We love you!
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