Rosalie Ann McCraken McCollough

Rosalie (Rosie) Ann McCracken McCollough, 78, went home to be with Jesus after a long battle of cancer September 11, 2026. She was born February 20, 1948, on Slate Creek near the Big Salmon River in Idaho, beginning a life deeply rooted in the rugged country she loved.

Rosie spent her early years in New Meadows and at Rapid River Ranch in Riggins, where she learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a child, she raised and sold rabbits, helped provide salmon for the family table, and by age 12 was driving a team of draft horses and hauling hay on Shingle Creek for 4 dollars a day. In high school, she also cooked for ranch hands at Circle C Ranch.

She graduated from high school in 1966 and married Neil Mansell that July. Later they had a son Tim in 1967 and a daughter Erica in 1971. After Neil’s military service, they returned to New Meadows, before eventually moving to Kuna in 1976 and divorcing later that year. Rosie was a devoted hard working single mom who always made sure her children came first.

Rosie worked for many years at Motorola before joining Gem State Communications in 1994, where she remained until retirement. She met her second husband, Kirk McCollough at a church group and they later married on August 30, 1984.

Rosie bravely faced cancer more than once throughout her life, meeting each battle with the same toughness and determination that defined her. In retirement, she enjoyed cross stitch, watching the mountain weather, and spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Teddy.

She is survived by her husband, Kirk McCollough; brother Ronnie, sisters Karen and Corinna, daughter Erica (Brook) Collins; son Tim (Alma) Mansell, and step-daughter Patricia (Ben) Esplin; grandchildren Austin Mansell, Tanner Collins, Levi Collins, Tyler Mansell, Samantha Mansell, and Shelby Heyrend. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Ruth McCracken.

Rosie lived a life defined by hard work, resilience, family, and a love for the Idaho country where her story began. She will be remembered for her strength, humor, and the way she made every moment count.

There will be a celebration of life on May 22, 2027.