Rose Talbott Leising died July 22, 2018. She was born August 11, 1981, daughter of Thomas J Leising and Sharon Talbott Holland, big sister to Abigail Talbott FitzGerald (Kyle) and aunt of Oscar and Adelaide. Rose was also blessed to have the love of two stepfathers Donald Hutley and Michael Holland, stepmother Karen Fenton and soulmate Larry Johnson. She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Vince and Phyllis Leising of Clarence Center, NY, and Oscar and Fannie Talbott of Silver Lake, KS.

Rose attended Seaman High School and graduated with honors in 2003 from Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO, with a dual degree in Psychology and Theology. She worked as a case manager in the mental health field at Valeo Behavioral Services, and later Topeka Correctional Facility. Her compassion and championing of mental health advocacy touched many lives in the community.

Rose had a love for basketball throughout her life, whether playing HORSE in the driveway, knocking down opponents on the court at Seaman, or watching the Lady Blues. She was almost as passionate about the sport as she was about her beloved cairn terrier Kizzie, her faithful companion for the past 14 years.

Even more so than her love of reading, writing, and creating jewelry, Rose loved water. She began swimming when she was five months old, and never lost her love of it. Floating was Rose’s true Nirvana.

Rose’s family invites her friends and extended family to a celebration of her life Wednesday, July 25th, at her family home on North Topeka Boulevard from 3:00 to 7:00. Her ashes will be placed by the family at a later date.

Memorials in her honor may be sent c/o Parker Price Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka KS 66608 for The Creations of Hope Gallery: Art and Advocacy, a partnership of artists dedicated to the mission of mental health awareness, celebrating the power of the arts as a force for healing and hope.