Rosa Irene Courier, a beloved figure whose life was marked by resilience, humor, and an indomitable zest for living, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, at The Maples at Centennial nursing home in North Platte, her lifelong home and the city of her birth on February 9, 1935.

Rosa's journey began under tender circumstances, having been adopted by her aunt, Francis Hagans, following the passing of her birth mother, Katherine Louise Hagans. Her family circle expanded with the marriage of Francis to Othello Clay Tomlinson, who also embraced Rosa as his own. These early chapters rooted Rosa deeply in the values of family and love that would guide her throughout her years.

An alumna of North Platte High School, where she graduated in 1953, Rosa nurtured her faith and intellect at a Christian College in Canada starting in 1952. The foundation she built during these years blossomed into a life rich with community, faith, and fierce independence.

In 1956, she married Glenn V. Courier, and the young couple ventured westward to San Francisco, where their first daughter, Candy, was born. Eventually, the pull of home called them back to North Platte in the 1960s, where she welcomed three more daughters into the world. Though her marriage ended in divorce in 1967, Rosa's strength and warmth remained steadfast, a beacon for her children and countless others.

Rosa’s work ethic was formidable. From her early days at a laundromat in high school and a gas station in the 1970s to various roles at McDonald's Clothing Store and the State Patrol, she persevered through many avenues. For eighteen years, she served faithfully at Gibson's before dedicating twenty-five years to WalMart, retiring at the proud age of 80 in 2015. Her career was a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and unwavering spirit.

Beyond her professional life, Rosa was a force of joy and creativity. She was known far and wide for her quick wit, always bringing smiles with her jokes and impeccable impressions. Dancing was her lifelong passion; she found her rhythm at the Country until it closed and later moved her lively footsteps to the Senior Center. Music flowed through her heart as she taught herself to play the accordion and piano by ear, sharing her beautiful voice at Bethel Church on Sundays. Her hands were never idle, often busy crafting intricate crochet pieces that reflected the care and patience she carried within.

She will be deeply missed by her surviving daughters – Candy Hunter of Cocoa, Florida; Penny King of North Platte; and Coleen Johnson of Biloxi, Mississippi – along with her cherished ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Rosa’s circle of love extended beyond family, embraced by many friends and relatives who found inspiration in her laughter, compassion, and steadfast support.

Rosa’s passing also reminds us tenderly of those who went before her: her birth mother Katherine Louise Hagans, her adoptive mother Francis Hagans, adoptive father Othello Clay Tomlinson, her daughter Jolene Beasley, and her special friend and companion Gary Hill.

Through all facets of her life—her family, her work, her passions—Rosa Irene Courier exemplified an extraordinary blend of humor, resilience, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and memories that will forever dance in the hearts of those who knew and loved her deeply.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 3 PM, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Elm Creek Cemetery in Elm Creek, NE.  Visitation will be at 2 PM prior to the service.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.