Payton Rose
Obituary
Payton Elliott Rose, 11, who died Dec.
28, 2019, is no longer on this earth to give his loving hugs to all
those around him. Yet, it is his warmth and passion that the bereaved
are still sensing from this boy who lit up the world.
Several days after he died in his sleep
at home in Halstead, from an unknown cause, his mourning mother
Jennifer (Wyckoff) Rose said she is celebrating his life. His
exuberance and curiosity touched the lives of all those around him –
especially those of his brothers, Jacob (12) and Jesse (19), and his
father, Bobby Rose.
"Payton was our wonderful
surprise, being born only 11 months after his brother, Jacob,"
Jennifer said. "From the day he was born, he connected with
those around him. The thing we will probably miss most about him is
his hugs. Payton gave the best hugs! You could feel his love when he
hugged you."
With that great love also came great
courage, Jennifer said. Even at a young age, Payton was fearless in
being bold and trying new things. He also had little concern for the
possibility of negative consequences.
"It's like he was born without
that fear bone," Jennifer said. "Payton began climbing on
furniture and up trees when he was little. His first broken bone came
at age 2 while jumping on a trampoline with a bunch of older nieces
and nephews. There have been a variety of bruises, scrapes, stitches
and scars since then."
One of his earliest feats occurred
about age 5 or 6, when he attempted to climb a 10-foot fence and
scale the radio tower in Walton.
"As I called out, looking for him,
Payton hollered back, 'I'm stuck.' I still remember looking up and
telling him, 'You got yourself up there, you better get yourself
down.'"
Payton's bravery continued to grow with
him, Jennifer said. He was always active, full of energy and loved
sports, singing and dancing. Break dancing was his favorite. He had a
cameo at the Kansas State Fair. As one of the street acts played,
they invited Payton into the middle of the crowd, where he proudly
showed off his flips, kicks and turns.
He liked to win, though Payton's love
of sports transcended competition.
"He simply loved whatever game he
was playing and always strove to do better," Jennifer said.
"Payton was a loving soul, caring for everyone around him. He
always wanted to do better, to improve himself and to help others
reach their full potential. … Always such an intuitive boy, Payton
seemed to know when others were hurting, feeling down, or needing a
pick-me-up." (His compassionate spirit was also evident in his
love for animals and all creatures. He was always wanting to pick up
strays and would never step on bugs.)
Playing soccer was the deepest love of
Payton's life, and he dreamed of becoming a professional soccer
player. He had been a member of the Newton Railers soccer club for
many years. He also played a variety of sports with the Newton
Recreation Center and was a member of the Newton Junior Railers
football club.
Payton's perseverance also transcended
the sports field.
"Even when he became frustrated
with schoolwork or people, he didn't give up - he always pushed
through," Jennifer said. "Payton loved it when others were
proud of him. He enjoyed making people proud - his teachers, his
coaches, his parents."
Payton was born to his parents, Bobby
and Jennifer Rose, on March 7, 2008, at Newton Medical Center, just
11 months after his brother, Jacob. Payton attended Walton Rural Life
Center in Walton and Santa Fe 5/6 Center in Newton. He was most
recently enrolled in the sixth grade at Halstead Middle School.
Payton is survived by his parents;
brothers, Jacob Rose and Jesse Rose; maternal grandparents, Kris and
Cinda Wyckoff; and maternal great-grandparents, Howard and Faye Mann.
He is preceded in death by paternal
grandparents, Tammy and JD Solomon, and Bob Rose.
The members of Payton's family say that
his life has been a great blessing.
"He has touched so many lives, and
will continue to touch others into the future," Jennifer said.
"His family is eternally grateful for the time we had with him
on this earth. We joyfully bask in his charismatic love and
kindness."
"It has been an honor to know you
Payton, and we look forward to the day when we will see you again -
striking that confident pose with that tilted smile. Payton you are
loved more than you will ever know."
Services for Payton Rose will be held
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton. Services
will begin at 11 a.m., followed by lunch (please join the family).
In lieu of flowers, Payton's memory can
best be honored through gifts to the Payton Rose Scholarship Fund
with the Newton Railers Soccer Club
(Paytonrose.newtonrailers.com/scholarship). This fund will help more
children to get involved in the game of soccer. As captain of his
team, this is something Payton would enjoy - more kids playing the
game he loved.
