Rose McDonald

Obituary

Rose was born on 1 June 1945 to Ron and Clara Traves and was raised in Paulsgrove, one of seven children. In October 1965 she married Alan, and together they made their home in Pump Lane, Gosport, where they raised their two daughters, Debbie and Sarah.

Rose became a Christian following the birth of Debbie, a faith that would shape the rest of her life. In 1981 she founded Jacob’s Well Christian Fellowship, beginning as a small home group and growing into a church with a deep heart for its community in Bridgemary. Rose named the church and designed its logo herself. From this vision grew Jacob’s Well Care, which she led alongside Stuart Pottinger, providing support for families locally in Gosport and internationally, including Romania. This work continues to serve the community today. Rose later went on to plant the Rowner congregation of Jacob’s Well Church.

In 1995 Rose became “Nanny” to her first grandchild, and she adored Jordan, Olivia, Nathan and Daniel. In 2021 she became Great Nanny to Frankie. In 1998 Rose and Alan moved to Haverhill to be closer to family, and in 2000 they relocated to Wales, where Rose served as a minister with International Gospel Outreach and worshipped at Antioch Church in Llandudno. Returning to Hampshire in 2008, she became part of Family Church, and founded the prayer ministry Heartcry for Jesus, and continued ministering across the UK.

After 53 years of marriage, Alan passed away in 2018. Shortly afterwards, Rose was diagnosed with cancer, followed by Alzheimer’s disease. She faced these challenges with remarkable courage, grace and faith. In 2021, as her needs increased, Rose moved to Hartford Court Care Home, where she was lovingly cared for. Even as words became difficult, her smile, kindness and constant expressions of love remained.

Rose passed peacefully on 6 January 2026, moving to her eternal home, where we take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with Alan.

Funeral

The funeral services for Rose have now been arranged. For those who are unable to attend in person, both services will be live-streamed. The links to join us online are here:

Funeral
Wednesday 28th January, 1pm at The Oaks in Havant, PO9 5NA

www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view
Login pin: 748-1871


Thanksgiving service
Saturday 31st January, 2pm at Empower Centre Gosport (formerly Jacob’s Well), Layton Road, Gosport, PO13 0JQ

https://youtube.com/live/6ETXjfE0g8E

If you wish to send a floral tribute, please arrange this through Co-op Funeralcare, 252 Havant Road, Drayton, PO6 1PA.

This online book of remembrance will remain open, and we would love it if you would share your memories and photographs of Rose with us. 

Timeline

Gallery

Memory wall

February 6, 2026

Rose, we miss you already. Thank you for always being there and taking time to be with us. You loved our children so much and always asked after them. You always brought comfort and strength and we loved being around you. I can remember so many moments where you would just hold my hand and smile. Thank you for everything. You are deeply missed already. With all of our love, Sarah xx

Sarah Mills

February 2, 2026

Rose was the speaker at a Christian Ladies luncheon. I went to her house on 22nd February 1979 where Rose led me to Jesus. 3 years later I moved back to Australia.

Penelope Pilsworth

February 1, 2026

I've just watched the funeral and the song really stuck with me. Because the way Rose made me feel was so safe when I was little and I honestly think when god saw Rose he absolutely said hallelujah your home. Sweet dreams wonderful lady xxx

Samantha Rayner

January 30, 2026

Rose always encouraged and welcomed me to minister at Jacob’s Well and in her conferences. Always I would hear fellow ministers speak of her in a positive manner. Everyone felt special when around Rose. She ministered to her generation and I am sure she has heard from the Master, WELL DONE

Don Carpenter

January 29, 2026

It was truly a privilege to know Rose in the latter years of her life. She was a constant source of encouragement to me and to so many others. It was an honour to take Alan’s funeral and now Rose’s too. She was such a kind, compassionate, gracious and dignified woman. Irreplaceable, in fact. See you in Heaven, Rose. 🫶

Steuart Payne

January 28, 2026

Dear Rose, amazing, compassionate,inspirational, you cared about everyone and everything, you were a life changer, my role model. You shone with God's love, you were infectious.
I'm so grateful Betty Brown my spiritual Mum introduced us.
So many happy memories of outreaches in the New Forest, ladies meetings, your excellent teaching, the special prayer times we shared.
When I met John you insisted we got married at Jacob's Well. You were ill on the day but Pastor David Price stood in and we had a wonderful day all thanks to you Rose, you changed our lives. Not forgetting the awesome meetings with you and Diane Hale. Whenever you saw us it was always, "Come on you two, I want to pray for you". You always encouraged us, you always cared.
Well done thou good and faithful servant, you have earnt your crown.
So sad at your passing, so much to thank you for.
Goodnight, God Bless Rose, see you in the morning,
Love
Julie and John xxx

Julie Bridges

January 27, 2026

Rose, I’ve not been able to find the words so far. My heart hurts and I’m so sad you are not here anymore but I know you are where you wanted to be, with Jesus and Alan. There’s such a huge number of tributes of how you touched and changed so many peoples lives. You really were one in a million and to know you and be loved by you is truly an honour. I couldn’t ever forget you. The day I met you is one I always have but will definitely now cherish close to my heart. You told me within 5 minutes how you would live to adopt me. Called weekly to where I lived to check I was okay. Stayed up hours in the night messaging me back when life wasn’t easy. You didn’t have to but you did because you cared and loved. I found Jesus because of you. Sat with you at the back in the church quietly away from everyone else and said the Lord’s Prayer. I will never ever forget that moment. Because of you, so much good and so much love has come in my life. I know you wanted to adopt me but Sarah did instead (the joke of she stole me) The greatest gift I have ever had and you gave her to me. You gave me family, unconditional love, acceptance and more joyful moments than I knew possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done in my life. You are the most beautiful soul. It’s time for you to rest peacefully now after doing so much good and light in so many lives. I will love you forever and never forget you. I cannot wait to meet you again.
Lu xxx

Lulu

January 27, 2026

It was a great privilege to know Rose both as a dear friend and ministry colleague for many years. Rose was a beautiful person in every way and reflected Jesus in all that she did. We are especially grateful for all the help and encouragement Rose gave us and so many people.

Roger & Sue French

January 26, 2026

I have very fond and profound memories of Pastor Rose. She had a huge impact on my life during my early years as.a christian and to God I am eternally grateful she was shepherd after Gods own heart. She was more than a Pastor to me she was my spiritual mother. There were times when she would walk into the room and it was like you met with Jesus. She was so full of Gods Spirit.
I thank God that she now is one of the great cloud witnesses and that she is in Gods wonderful presence
Bekir Mustafa ( Beck)

Bekir Mustafa

January 24, 2026

Rose & Julia Taylor circa 1989 at Pump Lane house.

Peter Taylor

January 21, 2026

David and I give thanks to God for this beautiful lady being in our lives. What a privilege to know her and do life together. She poured out her life for others in a selfless way, always putting God first and all who knew her were radically changed. A life well spent and lived to the glory of God. Thank you with all our hearts

Barbara Price

January 20, 2026

Rose was more like Jesus than anyone I’ve known. She really was very special. I will always be grateful for her example, her prayers and encouraging words, and even her gentle rebukes. I’m thankful for Alan—who I never met, for allowing Rose to minister as she did, and for Debbie and Sarah for sharing your dear Mum with so many.

With much love, and God bless

Aaron Chaudhary

January 19, 2026

Fond memories of sister Rose when she pastored the early days of Jacob’s Well. Helen & l were pioneer missionaries with World Ministries ( Assemblies of God) in the 90’s. Pastor Rose was a blessed inspiration to us , and the Well supported us as we ventured into Pakistan to serve as Bible teachers. We thank God for the life & ministry of sister Rose. Mike & Helen.

Mike Boot

January 18, 2026

Anne Hutt & Rose in Spain 2002

Ruth Van Rol

January 18, 2026

Rose (or Aunty Rose as she was always to us) has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When Jacob’s well started as a fellowship with Rose and Dad (Graham Hutt) among the original members it met in our lounge in Gosport for a while. She was always a leader within church but I also remember her playing the guitar and tambourine in the early days at Nobes Hall. As children we were regular visitors to Pump Lane, and my sister and I stayed with Alan and Rose while my Mum (Anne)had surgery - I remember such kindness and comfort from both of them at this time - we must have been very young. Whilst we lived abroad for a while we still maintained a family connection to Jacob’s Well, and Rose - and as young adult, whilst my parents were still abroad I sought her advice on many occasions. Including all hours of the day and night. She baptised my sister and I at Holbrook and went on to perform my sister’s wedding ceremony in Spain, which was beautiful. I recently developed a roll of film from over 20 years ago I found at my Mums house - it had a picture of Rose and Mum before the wedding. I am not sure I could have imagined a world without her. Dementia is hard, and I recognise the difficult decisions Debbie and Sarah will have had to make to keep Rose safe and protect her over the years as well as supporting their father before. In Rose’s case this also had to be balanced with the affection and concern from those whose lives she has touched and still wanted to see her. I last saw Rose at Mum’s funeral - and am so grateful to Sarah for bringing her. She looked just as she always had - full of kindness and compassion. She was such a big part of Mum and Dad’s lives, their spiritual journeys as well as so many others. She has touched so many lives. Thank-you to Debbie and Sarah for allowing the rest of us to share the life of their remarkable mother.

Ruth Van Rol

January 17, 2026

I first met dear Rose as a fairly new Christian in the late 70s through the Prossers and later when my sister Gilly went to live with her. She began to hold meetings in Ringwood and later we visited Jacob's well. Her preaching and teaching were so needed as many of us were like sheep without a shepherd. She always spoke truth to us and helped us on our journey with Jesus. I will never forget her and am glad that she is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

Val West

January 17, 2026

Paula from Birmingham Rose called me :-)) Thank you my beloved Sister,Handmaiden of the Lord.Phophetess of the Most High God.You were EVERYTHING in him & I will imitate your authenticity in our Lord.THANK YOU FATHER JESUS & THE HOLY SPIRIT OF TRUTH FOR ROSE :-D

Paula Jarrett

January 15, 2026

My abiding memory of Rose is when, as a new Chgristian, I was driving Canadian Evangelist Don Carpenter who was to speak at a conference that Rose had organised in Bournemouth. Rose gave me such a warm welcome and great encouragement. Sucj a strong Christian lady, serving God full on. Rose was a great blessing to countless numbers of people and is now enjoying Eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ. Praise God for Rose and the privilege of knowing her.

Don Payne

January 12, 2026

❤️Thankyou Jesus for our beloved Rose 🌹My wonderful friend who was always so lovely and encouraging as we shared and prayed together.
I am so very grateful to Rose who helped me so very much on my journey of faith in Jesus over many years.
Rose’s beautiful kind heart and loving warm Smile lit up the room as Jesus was always there with her as she prayed so faithfully for our family and friends🙏🕊Rose was used so mightily by The Lord and His Love came Shining through her wherever she went 🕊So full of Love, Kindness and Compassion🕊Thankyou Lord our Precious Sister Rose is now safely home with you in Heaven “Promoted to Glory to be with her Wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” Amen❤️
Our Love and Prayers are with Rose’s Wonderful Family to know our Lord’s Peace which passes all understanding during this very sad time to be comforted in knowing Rose is now at Peace with her Wonderful Saviour 🙏🕊❤️ (Psalm 147 verse 3)

Jane Finch

January 12, 2026

Rose, you were such a strong presence in mine and my families lives for many years. Through mum's cancer diagnosis and then my dad's diagnosis and passing. Mum was telling me the other night that she will never forget you turning up at the house late at night when mum was very ill. She had given up, and you had a strong feeling you needed to get to her. Thank goodness you did. You sat with her for hours praying. She pulled through 🙏
You gave myself and my husband the greatest gift and helped us to get married. Having you bless our marriage just meant the world to me. Thank you.

Michelle Cribb

January 12, 2026

Rose was the dearest friend , she oust out God's love touched my life and pour out so much to me , taught me so much and loved so much . I choose to see her dancing in Heaven free as a bird . Well done Faithfull one servant. My heart and prayers with you all sent in love God bless Pamela ❤️ 🙌 thanku Lord for Rose's life xxx

Pamela Gilmour

January 12, 2026

Rose gently said to me one day when she was leaving the church office after a pastors meeting, “Mary Give me something to pray for” this took me back as I saw her most weeks and this was the first time she had said this.
I told her “ I’ve waited long enough now, I would like a husband” she replied “you have, let get this done” and for you who know me the rest is history.
Rose was as beautiful and genuine and gentle as her name reflects, at the same time she was a warrior of God who knew her assignment and never deviated from it.

Jim and I rejoice in the joy you are finding right now and mourn with your girls and grandchildren for the loss they will endure.

Give Katharine a hug from me.
❤️❤️
Say

Mary Hirbe

January 12, 2026

Rose was an amazing woman of God. It was a real privilege to know her over a few years as our paths crossed through the regional Assembly of God gatherings. She was always passionate for God, loved the local church and kind and caring to those around her. Rose was someone I looked up to as she always exuded a spirit of humility and servant hood. May her legacy live on!

Bruno Kondabéka

January 12, 2026

This woman gave me such quality. The very best of advice, of guidance, of support and of herself. I'll be forever grateful. We will never see your like again, Rose. Rest now sweetie - I'll look forward to meeting you again soon.

Proverbs 31:29. "Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all."

Jxxx

Julie Wardman

January 11, 2026

Dear Rose,
You truly were a legend.
We live in the good of your legacy with many happy memories of our friendship and fellowship together. One of the most memorable times was while we were leading a conference in North Wales and you asked us to visit you in your home. You gave me a large bunch of keys you’d collected. I still have them. It was a powerful prophetic action. Many doors were already opening for us, so we knew that, if the Lord was entrusting us with more keys, it was because he was giving us the privilege of unlocking doors of opportunity for others. This came to pass and has become a significant and fruitful dimension of service. The sharp cutting edge of your ministry has had a major influence in so many lives. We continue to thank the Lord for you and look forward to meeting you again at that ultimate reunion in the Great Beyond.
With our love and appreciation,
Andy & Gay.

Andy & Gay Paget

January 11, 2026

I have many memories of Pastor Rose 🌹 but the overall memory when I recall her is that there has never been and will never been anyone like her ,she was gentle ,kind ,fierce when she needed to be ,she loved with her whole heart ,but above all Pastor Rose loved the Lord this shone through her ,when she walked in a room you knew you where in the presence of a woman of God .Now safe in the hands of Jesus .
God Bless you Pastor Rose . Lorraine pottinger

Lorraine Molyneaux

January 11, 2026

I knew Paster Rose from a young teenage girl, the memories and impact Rose had on my life are far too many to mention, Rose never judged and I shared things with her, I would never had shared with others, she just simply loved me and I will never forget her beautiful spirit. My respect and admiration for Rose has never wavered. Rose 🌹 the most honest and purest person I have ever known, I named my daughter after her xx

Michelle hand (Pottinger)

January 11, 2026

After speaking at our church ladies’ meeting years ago, Rose wrote a prophecy to me about our son who we were later very blessed with - I d prayed for “a word on paper” & she didn’t know that ! She then spoke to me some years later in a similar
way , two or three times - all true & she couldn’t have known ! I remember her with great affection & appreciation ! She s Gone to her deserved reward now! Comfort to all of you & sincere thoughts ! Jeanette Breckon.

Jeanette Breckon

January 10, 2026

I was a carer at the care home where Rose lived, and I came to know her as a truly remarkable woman. Even during her illness, her natural instinct was always to care for others. Her kindness, compassion, and pastoral background shone through in all she did. I often wished I had known her in her “good old days,” as I am certain she was an extraordinary woman in every sense.

RIP dear Rose. xx

Garth Theunissen

January 9, 2026

I knew Rose for 54 years. I first met her at St. Thomas’ church, Bridgemary, Gosport, in 1971. The vicar had asked me to work with Rose to lay the groundwork for a forthcoming crusade. As we were working together for a few weeks before this crusade, I was suffering badly with hay fever. Rose prayed for me, and I was instantly healed, never to have it again! During that time, we became friends, and after the crusade, I spent many hours in Rose’s kitchen, sharing about the Lord and using her as a sounding board for my latest sermons!
A little later, after my marriage to Sue, the Lord called us to sell up our home and travel in a motorhome in ministry. Most people were sceptical and discouraging, but Rose stood with us in faith, even becoming our mailing address when we were on the road. After our time serving as missionaries in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, Rose welcomed us into Jacob’s Well, where we both continued to thrive in ministry.
Although we haven’t seen Rose for many years, we are eternally grateful for the enormous input she had in our lives and ministry.

David Prosser

January 9, 2026

My wife and I had known Rose for many years, and have so many wonderful and blessed memories. I think the most memorable for me was when I suffered a major breakdown in 1993. I had been travelling all over the world in ministry since 1965, and without realising it, had been overdoing it. I had to be flown home from the Philippines suffering from what the doctor called 'burnout'. Several Christians came to visit me to try to help and advise me, but to no avail. One day there was a knock on the door, and when I answered it, who should be standing there but Rose McDonald! Her husband had taken 3 days off work to drive her to Scarborough on the North Yorkshire coast because God had spoken to her to come and minister to me. She stayed for around 3 hours encouraging me and praying for me, and when she left I knew something had happened. That was the start of my recovery process, and eventually I was out ministering again. What an amazing, Godly lady Rose was. I will never forget her and that special 'God moment' when she came all the way to Scarborough in obedience to the Lord to minister to me and get me back on the road to recovery. God bless you Rose, enjoy your reward in Heaven! David Nellist.

David Nellist

January 8, 2026

Rose, wow.
What a legend and a hero and a mum in the faith!
I first met Rose when I was 16 or 17 years old.
I have never met anyone who could see right through me, beyond any fakeness (not a real word I know) I may have been hiding behind.

Not only that, she would always be able to discern and speak into the situations I was carrying that no one knew about.
Her prophetic gift was amazing.

But what complimented her gift so well was her compassion, empathy and understanding.

While she could see right through you (which could be scary) you could always take comfort in knowing you were seen by her.

You were heard by her.

She wasn’t asking me to be busy doing stuff she was asking me to hear what God was saying to me. I loved that. I was so busy doing stuff but because of her, I felt seen. By her and by God.

She spoke direction, wisdom and love, she made me feel like I wasn’t a lone. That I could hear God too. And that how God was talking to me was ok.

I learned a lot from her and I’m so blessed that we get to see so much of Rose in Sarah (her daughter).

Her amazing nature lives on, her legacy lives on, her compassion, empathy, bravery, courage, strength will be remembered with a smile.

Thank you Rose for being a beautiful extension of our family. My wife, Sarah (not her daughter) has always been blessed by you, you treated our children with such patience and love.

I’m sure Sarah (my wife) will write her own tribute. But for now, thank you Rose. We miss you and we love you.

We celebrate you are now in glory, dancing with your Lord.

Until we see you again I in eternity, we will seek to make you proud on this side!

Ray Mills

January 8, 2026

Just so Blessed by this incredible Lady! Rose, your Teaching has guided me over many years. I wouldn’t be where I am today, without your encouragements and love. My Husband Chris too, if it wasn’t for her gentle, wise, Godly counsel. We loved her deeply and have fond memories of her ministry and pastoral care to us as a group in Ringwood. We all were truly Blessed.
May her family feel the love she shared among many be felt by each of them, knowing how much they were loved by her.
I thank The Lord at every remembrance of Rose. Rest in Glory now. X💕

Fran Bowen

January 8, 2026

I met lovely Rose for the first time the day my mum Doreen arrived at Hartford Court.She reached out a welcoming hand to my mum at lunch which helped my mum settle and I've never forgotten that.She always had such a lovely smile ,was always kind and seen to be reassuring to others. Having tea there with Rose and Sarah and my mum was always joyful .Her presence will be missed by many.Sending love to your family at this sad time.

Sue Dorey

January 8, 2026

I carry many years of memories of Pastor Rose, from when I was a young man at Jacobs Well, to when older and having Rose preach in the USA, and that amazing trip together with Jo & I to Niagara Falls. Rose ministered in the churches I've pastored in the UK and seen her impact so many lives. But I also carry those chats together for many hours, the discipleship I was given so lovingly, the advice, patience and godly counsel. Also those precious drives to Keith Jones Bible Store in Bournemouth together. My pastor is now where she's always desired - in the presence of Jesus. My love and condolence to the family. This was a precious life that impacted so many.

Danny Miller

January 8, 2026

I first met your mum when visiting my sister Elaine. Who took me along to the church Roe pastored. She was a lovely friend to my sister. Also an amazing preacher. Thank you for sharing your mum with so many. Xxx

Doreen Taylor

January 7, 2026

My husband and I first met Rose at IGO and she became a lovely friend and has prayed with us and shared with us many times. She was such a gracious loving Lady and we loved her. My husband George and I moved from County Durham to Buckinghamshire in 2018 and we lived in Chesham just 10 minutes from our daughter in Amersham. Sadly my husband George went to Heaven in May last year after taking ill in the February. I am 80 now and miss George so much but the Lord has been a great comfort along with my family and all my church family in Kings Church Amersham. We loved to hear Rose preach at the IGO conferences and she came to our church in Woodham village County Durham. We were both very sad to hear of her illness. I can just imagine the welcome she got in heaven when she met Jesus along with all those who knew Rose and had gone before. I am sure she will meet George there. I pray for Gods deep comfort and peace during your grieving. May the Lord richly bless you even through the tears and sadness of your Mum not being with you and like George I know she is now free of the illness and living in that glorious place with Jesus. I know it’s wonderful as my Mum had a near death experience and what she described was amazing and incredibly beautiful. The Lord told her that it wasn’t her time and her work on Earth wasn’t finished and that when it was He would come and carry her home. She died several weeks later after spending a lot of time with being reconciled with my sister. She was in a nursing home and she closed her eyes and passed into eternity. I was with her. The wonderful thing is that on the table near her bed was a new testament open at the
the verse in
2Timothy 4 where It says: “ I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing".
This was the Lord saying to me that her work was now finished and He had come to take her home.
I truly hope this encourages you..
I send my deepest condolences to you and your family and I pray you will know His comfort.
God bless you in Jesus name.
Maureen Kersley 🙏💖

Maureen Kersley

January 7, 2026

I will always thank God for you, Rose
You were instrumental in two very important areas of my life
You opened my eyes to the Spiritual Realm and on another occasion delivered me from my inability to forgive myself
I will be eternally grateful

Anne Melrose

January 7, 2026

Rose, as you often said we did life together. I had the honour and privilege to serve you and work with you in the ministry, all the while mentoring me and showing me a better way. Such wonderful times, adventurous times, happy times and sad times. Your amazing ministry has blessed many, it was such a shock to know of your onward journey. Until we meet again my dear friend. David Price

David Martin John Price

January 7, 2026

Rose (Rosie) You we're such a Beautiful lady, inside and out, That beautiful smile, that brightened the room. You're two beautiful daughters took after you.
Being at Hartford and myself doing the activities, all the fun stuff with you, always bought a smile to my face. You will be truly missed, by so many people, that Loved you. Rest Peacefully Rosie. 💞

Ella Toms

January 7, 2026

When I lost my mum a few years ago, Rose became the light I never knew I needed.”

Our coffee & lunch dates meant everything & more

A truly beautiful lady 💕

Anne-Marie Millham

January 7, 2026

Went to a conference in Scarborough where she was speaking. Her words gave me confidence and helped to cement my understanding of my relationship with God. Her prayers had a profound effect on me. I thank God for her and pray the family find comfort in the many memories shared.

Alison Busby

January 7, 2026

Very precious lady with a pure heart and motive. A rare commodity. Her sincere genuine kind spirit without guile was refreshing. She was born again right and lived right. She was spot on with words she gave me. Deep symphonies to all the family. Praying for you at this time.

Keith

January 7, 2026

So Sad....She really helped me through some troubled times...was always there for me 💕 I will never forget her beautiful nature.... She was a big part of my life and I will never stop thinking about her. ❤️❤️ Lots of love and hugs to Debbie Sarah and all your families xxx She is where she wants to be xx

Jenny Scanlon