Rose Aerl Brigham Klepfer, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 27, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Rose was born on September 9, 1934 in Waco, Texas to Haloise McCall Mize and Dr. John Townsend Mize. At an early age, Rose was adopted by her great aunt and uncle, Lila Louise and Vincent Aerl – “Mother and Daddy Aerl”. Rose spent her childhood in Waco and graduated from Waco High School in 1952.
Following high school, Rose attended the University of Texas and graduated in August, 1955 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Rose married Ben M. Brigham, Jr. on April 14, 1956 and moved to Midland, Texas where Ben practiced law at Stubbeman, McRae, Sealy, Laughlin & Browder. During their marriage, Rose and Ben were blessed with six children. Rose was fiercely devoted to her family and demonstrated an unwavering love for each of her six children.
After her divorce in 1969, Rose went to work for Bennett Employment; Helmsley, Spear, Dowdle Oil & Gas; Bengal Oil & Gas and then became co-owner and operator of Empire Employment. After selling the employment agency to her partners, she went to work for Wagner & Brown as an executive assistant to Cy Wagner, Jr. and Jack Brown. She happily remained with Wagner & Brown for over twenty-one years.
On October 17, 1996, Rose married Thomas Klepfer, a geologist in Midland, Texas. Upon their retirement, Rose and Tom moved to Wimberley, Texas, where they lived happily for nineteen years. In 2015, Rose and Tom relocated to Bee Cave, Texas and since 2021 to Brookdale Westlake Hills, to be closer to family.
Rose will be remembered for her unwavering love and devotion to her family. Her strength and courage in the face of challenges and setbacks left a permanent impression on each of her children and grandchildren.
Rose is preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, Marcus Mize, and her daughter, Kelley. Rose is survived by her husband, Tom Klepfer and her children: Bud Brigham (Anne), David Brigham (Terri), Lori Decker (Thad); Vincent Brigham (Megan) and Maria McGrady (Joe).
She is also survived by twenty grandchildren: Elizabeth Baugh (Nathan), Conner Brigham (Masen), Mary Anne Barton (Blake), Amanda Brigham, Cole Brigham, Lauren Loeffler (Kyle), Annie Brigham, Cody Brigham, Luke Brigham, Jason DeLaughter (Sarah), Josh DeLaughter, Tade Decker, Hallie Decker, Blake Brigham (Rachel), Audrey Brigham, J.P. McGrady (Alex), Madi McGrady, Grace McGrady, Mollie Bennigson (Rylan), and Michael McGrady.
In addition, Rose is survived by Tom’s children: Katherine Klepfer Estes, Thomas Klepfer, Jr. (Shirley) and their daughter, Ariel Maddox, and Patrick Klepfer (Heiki) and their son, Wolf. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank every friend who filled Rose’s life and the lives of her children with joy and meaning. Though she faced many obstacles in life, Rose overcame adversity with a delightful sense of joy and happiness that touched everyone around her. We are especially grateful to the many Midlanders and dear friends whose steadfast support and encouragement helped her persevere and truly flourish through life’s greatest challenges.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the charity of your choice. We will celebrate Rose’s life on March 11th with a private memorial service at Remembrance Gardens in Austin, Texas.
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