In Memoriam Dotti Rose

On Saturday, January 17th, 1998 a much loved teacher passed from this life. During her years at Baumholder High School, Dotti Rose was an important influence on the development of hundreds of students. These students had a special relationship with Ms. Rose they will treasure throughout their lives. This page contains the thoughts of some of these students. Please email me if you would like to share your memories of this very special lady. Let us celebrate the life of Dotti Rose.

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Tiana (Bellafiore)Teele
Baldwinville, MA
Class of '91

Mrs. Rose was my Senior class English teacher. She was an excellent teacher who was an inspiration to me. She was also a comfort to me. I was a part of the class of '91 and my parents decided to move the January just before graduation. I attended BAHS since 7th grade and Mrs. Rose sensed the toll this decision was taking on me. She was kind enough to offer me a place in her own home until I graduated! Although my parents did not concede, I have been forever grateful for this gesture. I hope I can give her a big hug in Heaven someday. In the meantime my prayers go up for the comfort of her family. Thank you so much Mrs. Rose!

Tim Curtis
Aberdeen Proving Grounds (Edgewood Arsenal)
Maryland Army Aviation National Guard
Class of 1988

I was just recently visiting the website and found out about the sad news of the passing of our beloved teacher whom I've gotten to know for short while at the school. I had the privilege of being in her English class along with my sister "Jo" as both of us seniors really enjoyed her company. It was kind of funny to have a brother and sister "senior family" in the same class. Dotti was and always will be the BEST known teacher I had in my whole high school adventures. Dotti always took her time to work with her students as well as give any special attention that was needed. She had a warm smile and was always asking me how I was doing on the high school track team because she knew that was my favorite sport that I enjoyed. My sister and I will dearly miss her, but will keep her memories in our hearts and minds. God bless you Mrs. Dotti Rose with love.

Karen (Friedrich) Crow
Would have been Class of "83

I had the pleasure of being cast in two musicals while at BAHS. I was younger than most of the students up for the role of Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls" - only thirteen - but Ms. Rose did not have any doubts that I would be able to "pull it off". Her direction inspired a love of theatre and the arts that continues with me today. Ms. Rose opened a door for me into a world of "make-believe" that I am sharing with my children. Her passing was a surprise to me - like many others I always expected to see her again some day.

Thank you Dottie Rose for believing in a young girl who needed a place she could call her own.

William (Bill) Tate
Would have been Class of '82

Without a doubt, Ms. Rose was one of those teachers who made school worthwhile. She influenced everyone around her and had drive that pushed students to achieve. Her guidance as the Drama sponsor was never blunted...sometimes she got a bit frustrated, but never did she give up on us. I had the pleasure of being a student director for one of our stage production and she always gave me enough direction for me to make the right decisions, but enough freedom to learn what I was doing...and certainly grow. In ''88, while stationed in Germany, I had a chance to return to Baumholder to visit the school and found that Ms. Rose was still teaching there...I would have thought that DoDDS would have long rotated her to some far and distant place. But the administration was helpful and gave me contact information. Full of excitement, the first thing I did on leaving school grounds was to drive to the village where she lived (still - same village, different house). My unannounced appearance was totally a surprise to her, but she recognized me after 10 years! That evening she even insisted that I (and new wife) stay for dinner and treated me to a wonderful evening of memories, some I had forgotten, but for her they never faded. It seemed to her that each student was worth remembering and they never left her. What a loss to the world.

Angelia Strickland
Class of 1988

I had no idea that Ms. Rose passed. It has been a long time since I have kept up with my class. She was one of the most wonderful, caring, and endearing I people I had ever met. I am truly grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing her.

Mike Stone
Class of 1989

Mrs. Rose was my senior English Teacher, and I can say that it is a great shock to learn of her death. Many students, including myself, found her to be a hard teacher, but very fair and very... I don't know what the word I'm looking for is (and I'm sure she would get on my case for not knowing it!), but I can say for sure--and this isn't just something I'm saying because she's dead, I really mean this--that she made a real difference in my education, and probably on the person that I am today. She was one of the few teachers I had that was able to give me trouble and have me respect her for it. I'm sure you can go along with me in saying that Baumholder High School, and even the rest of the world, will be lacking without her.

Cristy Harris (Vinson)
Class of 1992

I was very sad to hear of Ms. Rose's passing. She was one of the most compassionate teachers that I had at BAHS. I had Ms. Rose for English my Junior Year, though she enjoyed all of her students no matter what the grade, it seemed like there was something very special about the SENIORS. I wanted to have her as my English teacher when I became a senior but we PCS'd I remember her pet peeves in English class (turning in papers that was ripped from your spiral notebook without cutting off the frayed edges(automatic F), and spelling (a lot) as one word (another automatic F). Ms. Rose was very down to earth. I remember her wearing her HOMEY D. CLOWN (from In Living Color) sweatshirt to school.

Jennifer Brown Caudle
Class of 1989

Ms. Rose was one of the biggest parts of my life. I just found out today that she is no longer in this world and my heart is broken. She brought qualities out of me that I never knew I had. Every week we had to turn in a journal in which we wrote two pages on anything we wanted. She wasn't the kind of teacher that just checked to make sure we had wrote the pages, she read each and every page. As one student put it, she was a teacher and loved each and everyone of her students and they loved her. I have missed her so much, since I left Baumholder. I am in the process of writing a book and had always planned to dedicate it to her, for showing me my potential in writing. I will now dedicate it to her memory and all Buc's memories of her. Ms. Rose we will always love and remember you. God Bless the mighty Bucs.

Joyce Wright-Goodman
Class of 1979

Dotti Rose was the most influential teacher I ever had in my entire life. She was my favorite teacher, and made, by far, the biggest impression on me. She helped me through times no teen should have to live through - and she did so well. She was a good human being above all else. The most memorable thing I learned from her was that "A LOT" is two words no matter what the circumstances. But the life lessons, self confidence and writing skills I learned from her will serve me for all of my days. The most IMPORTANT thing I learned from her though is that being a good person and doing what is moral and right, rather than just rule-abiding, is the most important thing one can do for humanity while living this life.

Lee Asbdury

I see a message from my Daughter Brenda Muck Takatori. I wanted to add my special appreciation for Dottie. We were a military dependent family who became acquainted with the family and even spent some time at the house. We watched her son who picked up the looks of the German population with his full rosy cheeks. Our last days were spent at their house as they loaned us their car to travel to the airport back to the USA. We all had a laugh at the DC 10 we flew home in. Dottie became the sister, aunt and even mom to students as well as some of us isolated parents. It was a long way from home, but Dotti made it home. It wasn't hard to be the "back stage Mom" during the plays that my children took part in..she made it special. We knew Dottie from 1978-81 and will remember her always.

Brenda Muck-Takatori
Class of 1982

I was very sad to see that Ms. Rose is gone. She has always had a very special place in my heart. She gave all of use the special opportunity to shine. I was very honored to have been a part of her life in the short time I was at Baumholder. She shared her family and home with so many of us. To my fellow classmates I would say, remember the times with "Arsenic and Old Lace" and "They Went That Away" as well as the musicals, "Oklahoma", "Fiddler". Dottie gave us so much love and encouragement and fun. I had the great opportunity to have Dottie for Drama class, English as well as the Drama Club. I took was she taught and have used it in my live. I have always wanted to thank her for the firm grounding in English she gave me. It has made a tremendous difference in my life. To Dottie's family, I want to pass on my condolences as well as my thoughts and prayers. Dottie brought so much to all of us.

Ojetta Nicholas-Harvey
Class of 1990
Lynchburg, VA

I am Ojetta Nicholas-Harvey Class of 90. Iwas in Baumholder from 1988-91. Ms. Rose was like a rare jewel. She was always loving and kind. She made English class the best place to be and worth coming to school. She has forever left an imprint on my heart. I always felt like I was one of her special students becasue i got to go to London in 89 with the Senior class and was only a Junior. She was always bestowing some special favor my way. She is truly missed and still loved.

Chaplain Barry Phillips
Billye Phillips
Bonnie Phillips
Belynda Phillips Randolph

Barry and I were indeed saddened to learn of Dottie's passing. She exemplified all that a teacher should be. Belynda had her in many classes and will always treasure her memories of her and the knowledge that she shared with all her students. We particularly remember her in the assistance that she provided Bonnie in her senior year. Bonnie was special and Dottie made it possible for Bonnie to enjoy the senior trip to London with the other classmates of the class of '88. We morn with other friends and her family the lose of such a fine lady.

Gaylene Kinser Weber Class of 1983
Larry Kinser Class of 1984
Colorado Springs Colorado

Both my brother Larry and I were very saddened to hear of the untimely death of Ms. Rose. She gave such confidence to me as a high school senior in her English class. Larry has fond memories of his Senior Class trip to London with Ms. Rose. Ms. Rose really cared about her students and their future and she is deeply missed.

Marcus K. Webb
San Diego, Ca
BAHS 1983-1988
Class of '88

Hearing the news of Ms. Rose passing away really saddened me. I feel like a part of my history was lost. She was a big part of the "All Might BUCS" family. A class act that cannot be duplicated!

Liz Ratliff Congdon 1979-84

I count myself among the fortunate to have been a student of Dotti Rose. I was also lucky enough to be able to tell her that one of "her kids" had made it and to thank her for her support and guidance.  She had the unique ability to make you want to learn and enjoy the process also.  She taught me so much personally and academically. It was a privilege to be her student. I will always appreciate her and miss her. We love you, Ms. Rose.

Doug Preston
Class of 1989

Sad to hear of the passing of Mrs. Rose. The memory that sticks in my mind the most about her was this one day that she was so furious that she had all this new paperwork to do and how she was there to teach us and not to spend all day doing paperwork. She was a 'teacher'. I developed a love of writing in her class because she encouraged creativity rather than just running with the herd and being quiet. She was a great woman.

Kathy Harvey-Williams
Class of 1980

I've just recently learned of Ms Rose's death and it saddened me deeply. Dottie took a very shy girl with a troubled homelife and got me interested in theatre. It took my mind off the problems I was going through at home and helped me come out of a shell I didn't let too many people into. The lady actually got me on stage! Abby Brewster of the famed Arsenic and Old Lace...I loved ya Dottie Rose. And I only pray my children find such a caring compassionate woman to help mold them along the way.

Patrice McCrary (McCrary-Neal)
Class of "89"

I was extremely saddened to hear of Ms. Rose passing. Ms. Rose was very special to me and I never thought of her leaving this Earth. I always imagined going back to Baumholder centuries later and finding Ms. Rose in her classroom still smiling and passing on knowledge. Ms. Rose was more than a teacher to all of her students, she was an inspiration, she encouraged students to learn even when they least thought of it. I will never forget her or the infamous Jon Lee that we never got the chance to meet before graduation. My prayers and sympathy goes out to not only her family, but also to the Baumholder students that will never have the true honor to meet her and learn to love her the way the rest of us did. It pains me to be here writing this knowing that I will never be able to see her again, but I would have been doing a bigger injustice if I didn't allow future Baumholder Bucs to know Ms. Rose through the words of a grateful student. I now know that I was blessed because I was graced with knowing her and understanding the knowledge that she passed on to me. Once again I want to send out my prayers to the family.

James Hayman
BAHS Class of '85

I was extremely sad to hear the news about Mrs. Rose. Mrs. Rose was a teacher who honestly cared about her students. She encouraged me to succeed even when I didn't care if I was a success. I credit much of my becoming a teacher to her. She will be missed.

Donna Porter-Mutschler
Class of 1978

As a member of BAHS Clas of 1978, I was truly saddened at hearing of the death of former Baumholder teacher Dotti Rose. I have wonderful memories of her and kept in contact with her since I returned to DoDDS in 1993. I met Ms Rose when she first arrived in Baumholder in 1977. She was fresh from Califormia and was excited about the adventure of being in Europe. I got to meet her sister Holly and her son being born caused her to miss (much to my disappointment!) the Class of 1978 graduation. She was the best and I spent much time with her my last two years in school, both during school hours and after. We spent many hours walking around the woods around Baumholder, Neubrucke and Idar Oberstein. As I can see from some comments made from other former students, her style of teaching never changed. The lady made a great impact on my life and I still quote one of the posters in her classroom. "WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, MAKE LEMONADE!" She always gave 110% to all her 'kids' and her style and class set her apart from all the rest of the teachers. Believe me, when you grow up around DoDDS teachers, (my own mother is one of them!) you get to know something about teachers! I know she will be truly missed by all of us and I hope her own son knows just how much she meant to all her "Kids". I'm sure he does, I can only hope his memories of his mom are as wonderful as ours are. I know she gave him all of her love, I just want to let him know that she was by far my favorite teacher and person I met while I was in Baumholder. As Norman Marshall said " I think I am a better person because of her." More teachers in DoDDS would do better at getting the attention of their students if they took notes from her. We love you Dotti.

Barbara V Gallagher
Baumholder 1975-1978

I am a parent of Leona Sweezey Jackson, and Richard G Sweezey. I want to say this. Dottie Rose was the best teacher i had encountered in all the years of school both my children have gone. I have and will always have the greatest respect for Dottie in this life and there after.

James "Peanut" Collier
Raleigh, NC
BAHS 1984-1988

Mrs. Rose was a very special lady. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her students. She really made you feel important and really good about yourself. I will always remember her for willingness to help anybody in need and her unselfish giving. She will be especially remembered for the SR. Class trips she put together to go to London. To know her was to love her.

Joycelyn Hubbard Harris
Ft. Bragg, NC
BAHS 1984-1988

As a member of the Class of 1988, I will always remember Ms. Rose as one of the teachers who really cared about her students--we were more that her students and more like her children. When you entered her classroom door as an English student, a Senior or just someone looking for some wise words to get you through the day (or in my case, someone to tell you to push your brain a little farther), you always made your final exit a person who began to think a little differently. She took us to London and introduced us to another culture and within her classroom walls, she took us to another level.

Richard B. Cathy
Atlanta, Georgia
BAHS 1981-1984

Like many of you, my life was touched by Dotti Rose. I was a foolish, unfocussed sophomore, looking for personal identity and life direction. During that time, I happened to accidentally register for one Ms. Rose's advanced English classes. That was one of the best accidents I've ever had. In the course of a year, Ms. Rose taught me to read beyond the lines, take the responsibility of learning into my own hands, and she encouraged me to plan for my future. Her teaching had a huge impact on me as I know it did with my classmates. After all these years, I still refer back in my memory to her lessons on life. I only wish I could thank her one more time. Rarely in life do we find an individual of such compassion and conviction.

Norman Marshall class of 1980:

Ms. Rose was my English teacher during my junior and senior years at BAHS, she was more than just an English teacher she was a good person and wanted all of the students in her classes to be good people. I will miss her very much but I am glad that we had gotten back in touch and had written to each other via email and snail mail. She was my favorite teacher during my years at BAHS. More than anything she wanted her students to succeed and I think that I am a better person because of her!

Michael D. Smith Class of 92 BAHS:

Ms. Rose was one of the best teachers, and friends a student could ever have had. If one of "her kids" had a problem we always new her door was open. if more teacher were like Ms. Rose I think school would have been better for me. She helped me more then she could have known in life, maybe she knows now. I will truly miss her and I will forever be one of "her kids".

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