Rose Ellen (Lange) Hanwell, 76, of Baldwin, ND, died peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025. A graveside service will be held in Riverview Cemetery, Wilton, ND on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 2:00PM and a reception will follow at the First Presbyterian Church, Wilton, ND.

Rose Ellen Hanwell was the first baby born in the town of Riverdale, ND on December 23, 1948, the daughter of Leonard and Maizie (Huston) Lange. Rose grew up in their country home SW of Wilton. She was the 4th of 9 children. They moved to Nebraska in 1963 and Rose graduated from Lexington, Nebraska in 1967. Her roots there helped shape the strong, hardworking, and family-centered woman she became.

In July of 1978, she married Thomas Hanwell. Together they built a life centered on family and love. She was blessed with two very loved children from a previous marriage. The couple began their life on a farm near Wilton. Rose’s days on the farm were devoted to her family where she loved hosting gatherings for her family and friends. Rose started working at Melroe in Bismarck and then was hired as a physical therapist aide at St. Alexius Medical Center where she worked for many years until her retirement. She then took on seasonal work in the gardening section at K-Mart until her official retirement. Rose enjoyed this most as she spent time taking care of the flowers which she truly loved.

Rose was the heart and foundation of her family - strong, loving, and deeply caring. She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren, and nothing brought her greater joy than being "mom" and "grandma" and her new love being a "great grandma". Her love was steady and unconditional, and she made each of her children and grandchildren feel supported, accepted, and cherished.

She found happiness in sewing, canning, baking, cooking, decorating, tending to her garden, and bird watching. Her hands were rarely still, always creating something meaningful or nurturing something to grow. Rose had a love for animals. Her home was a sanctuary where no stray was ever turned away, reflecting a heart that had room for every living soul. Through her determination and quiet strength, she taught her family resilience, kindness, and the importance of showing up for the people you love.

Rose is survived by her husband Thomas Hanwell; her children, Edward (Araceli) Reyes, Dierdre (Dave) Horner; her four beloved grandchildren, Diego and Mya Reyes and Treana (Jacob) Kessler and Talena (Brayden) Traxel; one great step-grandson, Jayden Kessler and great grandson, Zeev Kessler and great granddaughter, Amorah Traxel; Rose's brothers and sisters, Larry (Ruby) Lange, Leonard Jr. (Vickie) Lange, Carl (Merle) Lange, Alvin Lange, Ruth (Pete) Carr, Janette Lange, and Betty Lange; along with extended family and friends who were blessed to know her.

Though her family’s hearts are heavy, they find comfort knowing her love will continue to guide them. Her legacy lives on in the strong family she built and the countless lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Maizie and Leonard Lange; father and mother in-law, Robert and Delores Hanwell; and one sister Loretta Lange.