Rosella Sanchez Rodriguez was able to celebrate her 100th birthday in fine style recently with the support of SunPorch of Dodge City and others in the community, said Debbie Allen, SunPorch marketing & community liaison.
Those who know Rodriguez call her either “Rosie” or “Aunt Rosie” and many of them participated in her party and parade.
“We decorated the front porch and Rosie made a grand entrance to the singing of Happy Birthday in Spanish,” Allen said. “She truly enjoyed this and other favorite Spanish songs. She clapped and sang along.”
Social distancing and masks were required.
“Rosie was thrilled with the parade we had in her honor,” Allen commented. “She rode in the SunPorch van and waved to people with balloons and signs at El Charro Restaurant.”
Rosie’s son, Richard, owns El Charro, 1209 W. Wyatt Earp.
Approximately 20 vehicles participated in the short-route parade, including a decorated car and tri-motorcycle with personnel from Hospice of the Prairie.
The guest of honor was born Sept. 20, 1920, at Dalhart, Tx.; she married Salvadore P. Rodriguez Nov. 23, 1942. Their three sons are Nick and Richard, both of Dodge City, and Manuel of Riverside, Ca.
Rosie always loved to cook for family and friends and worked at the Lariat Café and the Cottage Inn.
“Her many years of experience helped her son fulfill his dream of opening his own restaurant,” Allen said. “He wanted to use what he learned from his mother and contribute to his local community.”
Rosie’s recipes are on are the El Charro menu.
When her sons were young, Rosie supported them in their school activities. And when Nick and Richard joined the U.S. Marines, she made sure they had letters from home.
Rosie became part of the SunPorch family in October 2009. “She is loved by all the staff and her neighbors,” Allen noted. “It was an honor to celebrate with Rosie; she is a special lady.”
