Dr. Rose Friend Schmitt

Born on March 1, 1952 in Richmond, Kentucky
Departed on July 26, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida

Dr. Rose Friend Schmitt, 73, of Melbourne, FL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on July 26, 2025. Born on March 1, 1952, in Richmond, KY to Charles and Evelyn Friend, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, and loyal sister and friend. Rose lived in Melbourne for 69 years and was an active member of her church, a teacher at several schools, and a volunteer with numerous organizations including Viera Hospital where she worked in the Joint Center. Rose was always a student and earned her Bachelor of Science in English Language Arts Education, her Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and her PhD. in Applied Management and Decision Sciences. Rose is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Michael, her sons and daughters in love, Steven and Heather, and Scott and Karina, her three beautiful grandchildren, Emerson, Anna, and Henrietta, her sister Carol Short and her husband, Donald, her brothers Charles Friend and his wife, Karen, William Friend and Robert Friend, her sister in love Anne Friend, her sister in love Linda Schmitt and her husband Ken, her brothers in love, Roger Schmitt and his wife Marian and Brian Schmitt and his fiancé Victoria Ishee, and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. Rose was predeceased by her parents Charles and Evelyn, her in-laws, William and Constance Schmitt, her brother Michael Friend, and her sisters in love Laurel Schmitt and Maureen Friend.
Funeral and Burial Services will be held in Richmond, KY and a Celebration of Life will take place in Melbourne, FL at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Rose’s honor to one of her favorite charities, Tunnels 2 Towers, Fisher House, and Compassion International