Rose Earlene Pickett

Rose Earlene Ogle Pickett, age 96, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on May 10th - Mother’s Day. She led a full and meaningful life as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, homemaker, pastor’s wife, hostess, entertainer, artist, gardener, friend, mentor, and devoted prayer warrior.

She was born in Canton, Illinois, to Earl and Winona Coyner Ogle and was raised in a Christian home by parents who were both ordained ministers in the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana). Her childhood and teenage years were spent in several western states where her parents pastored. She graduated from high school in Greeley, Colorado, and attended Warner Pacific College. During her sophomore year, she transferred to Anderson College (now Anderson University), where she met the love of her life, Donald Pickett. They were married in 1952 and shared 57 wonderful years together.

Together, Earlene and Don raised four children and lovingly mentored many others. They were deeply devoted to their family and proud of each of their children. When their grandchildren, Alie and Tommy arrived, their joy only grew. Don delighted in spoiling them, while Earlene embraced her role as the “arts and crafts queen,” planning creative projects and making every visit special. Their home was always filled with toys, trains, treats, and, above all, love.

As a ministry team, Earlene and Don pastored churches in Virginia and Florida, led youth events and mission trips, and played a key role in establishing a church and ministry in Chelyabinsk, Russia. They also contributed administratively to the founding of Warner Southern College, now Warner University.

On her own, Earlene was accomplished in many areas. She was an active member of South Lake Wales Church of God. Earlene served as an officer in the Church of God state women’s ministry and the Lake Wales Christian Women’s Club. She mentored young wives both at Warner and within the church, was a gifted speaker at women’s conferences, hosted countless gatherings and receptions, taught etiquette classes and grief classes and graciously welcomed many into her home.

Earlene was also a gifted artist, an avid gardener, and a devoted lover of her puppies. In her later years, she found joy in art, tending plants, and caring for her beloved pets.

Her faith remained central throughout her life. When health challenges limited her mobility, she devoted herself to a prayer ministry, spending her days praying for others. She created and sent prayer cards to many, including pastors, friends, family, political leaders and even the President. A sign in her yard reading “I’m praying for you” reflected her daily practice, and she cherished praying with visitors before they left.

Earlene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Don; her oldest son, Keith, who lovingly cared for her until his passing; her brother, Rayford Ogle and wife Betty; and her dear sister-in-law, Esther Dumke and her husband, Bob.

She is survived by her son, Howard Pickett (Mary Ann) of Atlantic Beach, Florida; her daughter, DeLynn Imel (Eric) of Winter Haven, Florida; and her youngest daughter, Kareen Pickett of Lake Wales. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alexandra DeLaurentiis (Luca) of Los Angeles, California, and Thomas Pickett (Mona) of Tampa, Florida; her great-grandchildren, Louisa and Leo DeLaurentiis; her cousins, Dick and Ron Ogle of Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to her caregiver, Dee; Home Instead of Winter Haven; Cornerstone Hospice; and Lake Wales Care Center for their compassionate support and for allowing Kareen the flexibility to care for her mother.

Earlene loved flowers, but for those who wish, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Lake Wales Care Center or Warner University.

Funeral services will be held at South Lake Wales Church of God on Thursday, May 14th, at 2:00 pm. Visitation at 1:00 pm. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.