Dr. Rosa Ann (McGarr) Crass

Dr. Rosa Ann McGarr Crass passed peacefully from this life into eternity at her home on January 18, 2026. She was born on September 27, 1938, in Honolulu, Hawaii to Captain Lionel and Mrs. Harryette McGarr. About a week before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the family moved to Carmel, California where she spent the war years with her mother and older sister, Mary Lousie.

They were stationed in Washington, DC area while she was in the lower grades then middle years were in Salzburg, Austria. Rosa attended four years of high school in Panama where she met her future husband, Bill J. Crass, when he was invited to dinner at their home by her father (Bill’s commanding officer). Their first date was attending a bullfight! They Kept in touch while Rosa attended Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio and Madrid, Spain.

Rosa and Bill were married on June 30, 1960, in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas at the chapel on post. “The happiest day of my life” she called that union! They drove from their wedding to Berkeley, California, where she earned her master’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley. Next came a move to Australia in 1964 where they welcomed their precious daughter, Carol. Rosa was a very devoted wife, mother, and student. She achieved her PhD in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Western Australia. Later, she worked with research teams on various patents as well as serving in a faculty position in the University of Miami Medical School.

In 1996, Rosa and Bill located to Murray for their retirement years. Her wide variety of interests was remarkably fostered by her wide range of religious, medical, musical, cultural, educational, and community support. For example, as a faithful member of the Christ Chapel at Sound Retreat Farm in Fairdealing, KY, she was always ready to serve in any capacity needed. The local P.E.O. was another avenue for her to help increase educational opportunities for women. Enhancing their home with colorful iris, impatiens, and gladiolus flowers gave her hours of gardening enjoyment for years. Worldwide travels provided lifelong adventures.

Survivors include her husband, Bill, in Murray; daughter, Carol, in Australia; sister, Mary Louise Gotthold, in California; and sister-in-law, Anna Lee Riggins, in North Carolina; as well as numerous nieces and nephews scattered all over the U.S.

A memorial service will be held at The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., preceded by family time from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. and visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com