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 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 Ann 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, The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Fisher House, and Compassion International.
10 entries.
Sean Dixon
from Jacksonville, FL wrote on August 16, 2025:
Truly saddened by the news of Mrs. Schmitt’s passing. Mrs. Schmitt was an incredible teacher and one of my all time favorites. She touched the lives of so many people, and I feel truly lucky to have been one of her students. When I look back on high school, she’s part of some of my most cherished memories.
Ellen bernyk
from Palm bay wrote on August 12, 2025:
We’re sorry to hear of Rose’s passing.we all have fond memories of the days on Conifer street. She will be greatly missed. Prayers to all of her family. From the Bernyk family.
Guy Sullivan
from Merritt island wrote on August 1, 2025:
Mike and Family So sorry for your loss be thinking of you during this difficult time . Sending prayers and comfort to you and family.
Rosalyn Gentry
from Indialantic wrote on July 30, 2025:
Condolences to the family. May you remember Rose as a person that lived life with intention, purpose, and passion. God Bless Mike and Family. May the Lord give you peace, strength, and love in your time of loss.
Ginger Williams
from Melbourne Beach, Fl wrote on July 30, 2025:
J.W. And I extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Schmitt family. May your fond memories of Rose bring you comfort at this difficult time.
JW and Ginger Williams
from Melbourne Beach, Fl wrote on July 29, 2025:
Mike so sorry to hear about Rose’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.
Douglas R John
from Melbourne wrote on July 28, 2025:
Mike i'm so sorry to hear about your wife Rose. May god comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amy
from Tampa, FL wrote on July 28, 2025:
🌹 With deepest sympathy, many thoughts and prayers to the amazing Friend and Schmitt family. Our condolences for your loss and many blessings. May Rose’s memory be a blessing, and may comfort surround all who loved her during this time of sorrow. 💔🕊️
Amy & Dwayne
Becky Winch
from Palm Bay, FL wrote on July 27, 2025:
Rose was such a wonderful person! She will be greatly missed.
Leslie Carol Coryell
from Palmetto wrote on July 26, 2025:
Randy and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Schmitt Family. One thing I want to share about your Mom. Whenever I was around her ~ she was always such a Sweet Lady and always had a Smile to share with everyone. She will be missed. God's speed.
Randy and Leslie
Born on March 1, 1952 in Richmond, Kentucky