Rosalee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and beloved member of her community. Born in Thrall, Texas, on Nov. 22, 1938, Rosalee lived a life defined by grace, faith, resilience, and a steadfast devotion to those she loved.

Rosalee graduated from Thrall High School and carried the values of small-town Texas with her throughout life. She married the love of her life, Paul “Cotton” Mikulencak, on Aug. 5, 1956, in Taylor.

On their honeymoon in Galveston, Rosalee braved a ride in a four-seat airplane and a towering roller coaster. After those adventurous experiences, she famously vowed never again to step onto a plane, roller coaster, or boat — and lovingly kept that promise for the rest of her life.

For 69 beautiful years, Rosalee and Paul shared a joyful and enduring marriage. One of their favorite shared passions was polka dancing, which they enjoyed throughout the small towns and communities of Texas. Side by side, they danced their way through decades of music, tradition, and togetherness.

Rosalee and Paul were blessed with two sons — Douglas Ray Mikulencak, born in November 1957 and Kevin Mikulencak, born in June 1968, who survives her alongside his wife, Janet Mikulencak (Banister). Douglas preceded Rosalee in death in 2022.

Between the 11 years between the births of her sons, Rosalee endured many miscarriages. Her lifelong hope of having a daughter was beautifully fulfilled in 2020 when Janet Mikulencak (Banister) was gratefully welcomed into the family.

From the moment she joined the family, Rosalee embraced Janet as the daughter she had always dreamed of. Their bond was filled with love, mutual respect, and unwavering support — Rosalee loved and cherished Janet as her own, and Janet returned that love fully and unconditionally.

Rosalee was a loving grandmother to Presley Mikulencak, Joshua Mikulencak, Jacob Mikulencak, Shelby Cain, Luke Banister, Miles Banister and Ava Banister; and a proud great-grandmother to Gatlin Mikulencak and Crew Cain.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Author “Shorty” Lefler and Edna Lefler; her brother, Allan Lefler (Carol Lefler Surviving); and her sister, Irene Rosenkranz, along with Irene’s husband, Paul Rosenkranz.

Professionally, Rosalee served the State of Texas with distinction. She worked as a Union Bookbinding Specialist at the University of Texas at Austin, 1970–78, and later as a Records Management Technician and Records Specialist at the Texas Department of Public Safety until her retirement in 2000.

Rosalee’s heart was most at home in her family. She and Paul — affectionately known as “MeMa” and “Pampa” — were ever-present in their grandchildren’s lives, offering daily support, rides to school, football, track, basketball, gymnastics and constant encouragement them to always do what was right. Her quiet strength and steady presence shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren.

She found joy in life’s simplest blessings — gardening, baking and family gatherings. Her homemade Czech kolaches became legendary, and it was often said, “There are many who make good kolaches, but there was only one Rosalee who makes the best.” She treasured sitting outside in the evenings with Paul, watching sunsets and welcoming visits from neighbors, friends and family.

A woman of enduring faith, Rosalee was a devoted member of the Taylor Brethren Church for 69 years and a proud member of the Christian Sisters. Her life reflected her beliefs — full of compassion, humility, and service.

The celebration of Rosalee life will begin with visitation at Providence Funeral Home, Taylor Texas Sunday, July 27, from 4-7 p.m. Her funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 28, at Taylor Brethren Church followed by a graveside service with a meal and fellowship back at the Brethren Church.

All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to attend. Pallbearers will be Joshua Mikulencak, Jacob Mikulencak, Luke Banister, Miles Banister, Darrell Mikulencak, Steven Raesz and Montgomery Raesz.

Rosalee Ann Mikulencak will be remembered for her enduring love, her selfless heart, her unwavering faith, and the joyful legacy she leaves behind. Her presence will forever be felt in every dance, every sunset, every shared meal, and every life she touched.

Well done, mom. Thank You, Jesus; We Love You, Jesus; We Trust You, Jesus; Help Us Jesus.