Ottumwa, Iowa - Loretta Rose Alexander, 83, of Ottumwa, died at 11:20 p.m. December 6, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.

She was born March 17, 1942 in Ottumwa to Herman Joseph and Lucille Marie Hobbs Fletcher. Rose married Douglas Alan Alexander on February 9, 1979.

Growing up in Ottumwa, Rose had worked as a waitress at various restaurants and had also worked in numerous nursing homes. She was an Alzheimer's specialist.

Rose had been a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Surviving is her husband, Douglas; children, Ila Marie (Steve) Claussen of Blakesburg, Lori (Ralph) Sickels of Albia, Fred (Carrie) Smith of Johnston, Georgina (Greg) Helton of Navarre Beach, Florida and Cynthia Niehaus (Don Whitenack) of Marion, , 21 grandchildren, Jennifer, Alicia, Stephanie, Ashley, Jeff, Mike, Amanda, Krissy, Melanee, Kara, Jenna, Keegan, Samantha, Madison, Lauren, Ryan, Josh, Kelsey, Zach, Elizabeth and Josie; 31 great-grandchildren; siblings, John Fletcher of Bladensburg and Lela Heisel of Stockport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Scotty; 3 great-grandchildren, Gwenevere, Freya and Renn; and siblings, Mary House, Herman Junior Fletcher and Ora Tom Fletcher.

Graveside services and burial will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11th, in Shaul Cemetery with Pastor Gary Reeves officiating.

Memorials may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice.

Reece Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.