Rose Margaret Martens Bolchoz Derrick

Rose Margaret Martens Bolchoz Derrick, 93, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2026. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 12, 2026 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026 in St. Matthews Lutheran Church at 11:00 am, and burial will follow in Bethany Cemetery.

Rose was born January 17, 1933 in Charleston, South Carolina, daughter of the late Louis H. Martens and Rosalie A. Stramm. Rose graduated from Memminger High School as part of its final all-girls class. She lived all her life in Charleston where she married Willard W. Bolchoz in 1953 until he passed away in 2001. She then married Rev. Clarence K. Derrick, Jr. in 2012.

She is survived by her four children, Brad Bolchoz (Margaret), Brenda B. Clarey (Joe), Beth B. Costa (Milton), and Barbara B. Pettus (Eddie); 13 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by her sister, Aline M. Hutchinson; and two brothers, Louie Martens and Otto Martens.

Our Mom was a devout Christian who believed in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She always considered herself blessed in all things and loved being a happy homemaker. Being a grateful grandmomma, her grands and great-grands all called her "Grandmomma Rose."

If you ever saw her refrigerator, you would know who her family was. She loved printing pictures of everyone in every season of life.

An avid doll collector, Rose was an active member of the Charleston Doll Club and the Charleston Hat Ladies. She was rarely seen without a hat and had a special love for the color blue. When she arrived at any function to see her grandchildren, they all expected her to wear a hat and be in blue.

Rose gave so much to other people. Every Sunday after church, she and her children would stop by the Franke Home on Calhoun Street and deliver home baked goods and flowers from her yard. She also maintained a dedicated card ministry for shut-ins. She lived with a blessed and grateful heart as a devoted mother and grandmomma.

Rose was a bridal consultant at Condon's Department Store for 18 years. She loved her job and made each bride feel special by hand crafting a personalized Christmas ornament to commemorate their big day.

She was a lifelong member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House at www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org; to the Newberry College Singers at www.newberry.edu/giving/givenow; or to Family Hospice at www.homewithfamily.com or 112 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29401.