Crestone resident Lin Marlene Rose, 74, passed away on November 26, 2024, at San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center in Alamosa, Colorado. Born on January 26, 1950, to Carlos and Lillian (Long) Rose, Lin's life was a tapestry woven with love, art, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Lin's journey began in the heart of Kansas, where she grew up surrounded by the beauty that would later inspire her life's work. After graduating from high school in Junction City, Kansas, in 1968, she pursued her passion for art at Kansas State University. It was here that Lin's talent flourished, setting the stage for a lifetime of creation and inspiration.

On June 26, 1993, Lin's heart found its counterpart in Rodney Troyer, and together they embarked on a life filled with love and mutual respect. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Rodney W. Troyer, and Lin embraced her role as a stepmother to Shaun Troyer of Leonardville, KS. Her great-nephew Rasheem Wilson of Crestone, CO, and her sister Venita Spickelmier of Michigan, along with many adoring nieces and nephews.

Lin's professional life was a reflection of her inner spirit. She owned and operated Krystallos, a beloved boutique in Manhattan, Kansas, for 27 years. There, she combined her love for silver, gems, and crystals to create exquisite pieces of jewelry that captured the essence of her artistic vision. Her boutique was more than a business; it was a sanctuary for those who sought beauty and a testament to Lin's dedication to her craft.

A selfless and gentle soul, Lin's generosity extended beyond her family and friends. She was a supporter of animal rights, and her love for all creatures was evident in the menagerie of chickens, horses, turkeys, and donkeys that she cared for with such tenderness. Her advocacy for the voiceless spoke volumes of her compassionate nature.

Lin's creativity was not confined to her studio. She was an avid gardener, and her hands brought forth a profusion of flowers that mirrored the vibrant hues of her paintings. Her garden was a living canvas, a place where her artistic touch nurtured life in every corner.

Lin was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Peggy Bazan, and many nieces and nephews. Her departure has left a void that can never be filled, but her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her.

There will be a graveside service at the Crestone Cemetery on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 12 noon, with visiting to begin one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the ASPCA or Humane Society. For those unable to attend local services, a memorial service honoring Lin's life will be held in Manhattan, KS in the spring of 2025.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Lin's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.