Roswitha "Rosie" Lihs

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that our family announces the loss of a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Roswitha "Rosie" M. Lihs, 81, of Canon City, CO, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Roswitha Maria Thea (Thiem) Lihs was born May 2, 1943, in Saarbrücken, Germany, to Rudolf and Barbara (Vogel) Thiem.

At the tender age of 14, Rosie became an orphan and remained in the care of her sister, Gisela. Rosie was also a great help with raising her niece and nephew. Rosie attended school in Dirmingen and then took classes at the home economics school in Illingen. In 1960 she began nursing school in the Regional Children’s Clinic, Neunkirchen-Kohlhof, where she later passed all of her examinations and became a Children’s Nurse. Rosie worked in the infant ward, the newborn and premature birth ward, the isolation ward, and in the maternity ward at St. Josefs Hospital in Germany.

In 1964 Rosie married the love of her life, Delwin Lihs, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. They resided in Miesenbach and later in Steinwenden, during which time they had their son, Michael.

In 1967, Rosie came to the United States for the first time with her husband,

Delwin, when he was stationed at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan. There they had their daughter, Susan. Rosie managed two children and a home by herself for a year while her husband was sent to Vietnam. During her husband’s military career, they were also stationed for six years in England from 1969-1975, and four years in Rapid City, SD., from 1975-1979. Then in 1979 Delwin was transferred to Colorado Springs, Colorado. After six years he decided to retire from the Air Force in 1985, after which they decided to remain in Colorado. Throughout the years, Rosie enjoyed traveling with her family to destinations abroad and within the United States.

In 1980 Rosie officially became a United States Citizen after passing the lengthy exam in Denver, Colorado.

For many years, Rosie chose to be a stay-at-home mom to raise her kids and take care of her family. Upon entering the working world again, she excelled at every job she had. From preschool teacher to management and supervisor positions in banking and retail.

Rosie loved being a grandmother to her grandson, Justin. They had a bond all their own. “Granny”, as he called her, was always unconditional with her love and support. Her role in his life was impactful and will always be felt.

Rosie took pride in taking care of her home, making it beautiful and comfortable. She also loved to spoil everyone with her cooking and baking. She had several specialties that were favorites among her family. In her later years she enjoyed gardening. She created a beautiful garden complete with walking paths and sitting areas. She loved having her own park on her property, oftentimes that is where you would find her strolling. She was quite artistic and loved painting. She created many beautiful pieces of artwork which are proudly hung in the homes of her family.

Rosie also loved the thrill of playing the slot machines in Cripple Creek, CO. She loved to socialize and was well known among the players and staff.

Trying to sum up one’s life in a matter of words in a few paragraphs can never capture the true essence and spirit of who a person was, and the void they will leave in the lives of those they have touched.  We will forever be grateful for the privilege to have shared our lives with her. She will live on in our memories, and we will love her the rest of our lives.

  “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

Roswitha is survived by her beloved husband and partner of 60 years, Delwin Lihs, Canon City, CO; son, Michael (Beege) Lihs, Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Susan (Dorian) Mason, Canon City, CO; and her treasured grandson, Justin Mason, Colorado Springs, CO. She also leaves behind a sister, Gisela; nephew, Franz Rudolf (Ulla) Poitier; and niece, Monika (Karl) Schorr, all residing in Germany.

A private cremation with immediate family was held on Wednesday January 22, 2025 in Canon City, CO.

We are gathered here today, our hearts heavy and broken with grief.

Life without you will be hard to conceive, for we were blessed to have you.

A treasured wife, mother, and grandmother.

Our grief is the price we pay for loving you.

Our family chain was broken the day God called you back.

His garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

Those we love don’t go away,

they walk beside us in our hearts and memories every day.

You do not go alone, for part of our hearts went with you,

and the memories of you will live on in all of us.

We will visit you in our dreams and talk to you often in our silence.

Thank you for the life we shared and the moments you gave us.

You left us memories we are proud to own, we will cherish them always.

You are no longer bound by this world, but a part of it.

No longer tied to one place or time, but free.

We ask for God’s comfort to surround us,

may the memories we hold dear sustain us in the time ahead.

Go now, with all our love, as tenderly and reverently we yield your body to be cremated.

Rest now at the end of your days, rest in the hearts and minds of all those who love you.

So now we pray

Dear God, with heavy hearts we entrust her now into your loving care. As she

journeys beyond this life, we pray that you embrace her with your eternal peace and light. Embrace her in your loving arms and guide her to the place of eternal rest where there is no pain or sorrow, only everlasting joy. May we find solace in the promise of seeing her again someday. Amen

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