Rose Marie Tucker

In every phase of her life, Rose Marie Tucker lived a lifetime.

Born on April 6, 1937, in Wills Point, Texas, Rose was the fifth of six children born to Casey Claude and Daisy Mae Shackelford. Her life began on a farm, rooted in simplicity and love. She graduated from Westbrook High School and carried the values of hard work and kindness with her throughout her life.

In 1955, Rose moved to the city life of Corpus Christi with her first husband, Pete Crofton, and began her journey as a mother. Her first child, Ollie Mae, was her beloved and only daughter. Twenty years later, Rose found love again, married James C. Tucker Jr., and a new life begins. At the age of 40, she was surprised with the birth of her first son Brian Alden, and at 42, blessed yet again with another son the youngest, James Keith, who in the end would be her caregiver. In her later years, Rose made a home with her partner, Paul Talbert, where their shared passion for animals filled their days with joy.

Rose had many roles in life—daughter, sister, wife, partner, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother—but perhaps her favorite was “Mutter”, a name affectionately passed down from her own mother. She loved cooking, gardening, and especially her many pets over the years. She even attended culinary school at Del Mar College in the early 1980s, though she ultimately devoted her life to being a stay-at-home mom, a role she embraced with warmth and dedication.

Her welcoming spirit extended beyond family. Over the decades, Rose made countless friends, especially at her neighborhood H-E-B on Robert’s and Alameda, where she was always ready with a smile, a story, and an open heart. If she wasn’t in her front yard tending to her garden with her pets by her side, she was in an aisle at H-E-B, turning strangers into friends.

Rose passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 15, 2025, surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her parents, all five of her siblings, and her 3 husbands: Pete Crofton, James C. Tucker Jr., and Paul Talbert. The family would like to thank the very caring support and care of Gentiva Hospice including her CNA Carol and RN Lori, without whom they would have been lost.

She is survived by her loving children: Ollie Crofton Kramer (Don), Brian A. Tucker (Julie), and James K. Tucker (Amy); her grandchildren, both by love and by life: Darren Kramer, Gerry Kramer, Samuel Tucker, Elliot Tucker, Justin K. Tucker, Sydney Mood (Seth), and Kyle Winstead; and her great-grandchildren: Kenslea, Cataleya, Stone, and Steel. She also leaves behind cherished friends who became like family, including Debbie Alvarado and Damon Burroughs.

Rose will be remembered for the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the quiet beauty she brought into the world. Her legacy lives on in the gardens she planted, the meals she prepared with love, the pets she cared for, and the generations of family she helped shape. In lieu of flowers please plant something and love it or adopt a stray and cherish it.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025 at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland, with a graveside service to be held at 1:00 p.m. that same day at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com