Rose Kurth Obituary

Rose E. Kurth

November 24, 1928 - October 9, 2025

Rose Emily Vincent was born on November 24, 1928, to Frederick and Beatrice (Sincock) Vincent. She joined her sister, Ruby, and brothers George, Billy, Donald, and John at the family home in Marysville, MT. It was 20 degrees below zero the day she arrived home by train-a fitting beginning for someone as strong and determined as Rose.

As the youngest in the family, she was often the sickliest, yet she possessed the fiercest will to overcome any challenge. She became her father's little sidekick, following him everywhere-from picnics by the creek near their home to dressing up Rose and taking her to Columbia Gardens in Butte, MT-a memory she always cherished.

Rose attended the one-room Little Prickly Pear Schoolhouse for grades one through six. Her quick mind and dedication led her to skip a grade and advance to eighth, and she proudly became the only one of her siblings to graduate from high school.

As a teenager, encouraged by her friends George Bennett and Ralph Anderson, Rose joined the "H Club" along with her friend Mary Zanta. Through hard work and determination, she earned her letter jacket and went on to become captain of the basketball team. She wore her "Helena Senior High Bengals – Class of 1947" jacket with great pride.

While in school, Rose worked at the Marlo Theater and for the Highway Department to pay her rent and pursue her goals. With encouragement from close friends and classmates Bob Morgan, Ralph Anderson, and George Bennett, she followed her dreams and built lifelong friendships along the way.

On August 16, 1947, Rose married Jack B. Gehring. As they raised their five children, Jack Lee, Emily Ann, Rose Marie, William G., and Jane Leslie. Rose proudly purchased the first buffalo that would become the start of the renowned Gehring "Buffalo" Ranch.

During these years, Rose was deeply involved in her community. She served on the Silver City School Board and taught four- and five-year-olds in Sunday school at St. Paul's United Methodist Church-once even bringing baby lambs in a playpen for Easter Sunday. She became president and a speaker for the Cancer Society, organizing a highly successful buffalo raffle fundraiser. Rose also served as president of the Business and Professional Women's Club (BPW) and was an active member of the Elks Lodge, where she held the roles of Head Trustee and Chaplain.

After her marriage to Jack ended in 1964, Rose built an independent and fulfilling life surrounded by close friends Mary Harper and June Thompson-rarely was she seen without one of them.

Rose wore many hats throughout her life. She worked at McDonald's Clothing Department Store, where she once wrapped Christmas gifts for "Big Dorothy's girls." Her simple, no-frills wrapping style had to be redone in flashier paper with extra ribbons to meet the occasion for the girls. Later, she managed Fannie Farmer's Candy Store before spending 18 years at Hennessy's Department Store.

She found great joy in square dancing, sharing many lively evenings with friends Jack Carpenter, Arlene Eickmeyer, and her daughter, Jane.

In 1974, Rose married Art Kurth, though they later divorced. Ever eager to grow and learn, she completed the Dale Carnegie Course and became a confident public speaker, sharing her voice at events across the state. She later worked for Wilcox Construction, selling over 50 homes before starting her own business, Helena Rental Services, where she restored and managed properties.

A passionate traveler, Rose explored the world with trips to England, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean.

Of all her accomplishments and adventures, her greatest joy and proudest achievement was raising her five children. Her legacy lives on through the family she built and the community she served with dedication, strength, and love.

Rose is survived by her children, Jack L. (Sandy) Gehring, Emily A. Gehring, Rose M. Gehring, William G. (Mickie) Gehring, and Jane L. Gehring; her grandchildren, Tony Gehring (fiancé Tracy Vidrich), Justin Gehring, Tina (Jerry) Stewart, and Christopher (Tony) Gehring; great-grandchildren, Tristin, Brayden, Madison, Dillon, Cinch, and Blake; step-great grandchildren, Evan, Sophie and Kylie.

Rose's strength, humor, and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for the life she built, the hearts she uplifted, and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.

Viewing will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the church. Donations in Rose's honor may be made to The Salvation Army of Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Rose.

Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home

3750 N. Montana Ave, Helena, MT 59602

406-442-8520