Rose Johns, a longtime member of the College of Engineering’s Dean’s Office, passed away over the weekend.

Johns had worked at the University of Nevada, Reno since 1988. She had served as a program officer for the College of Engineering since 1996.

“This is extremely sad news,” College of Engineering Dean Manos Maragakis said. “Rose was a wonderful person who made our college a better place through her many exceptional abilities, both as a professional and as a human being. She always went the extra mile for the students, faculty and staff of our college.

“This is a great loss for our college. On behalf of the College of Engineering, I wish to offer our thoughts and prayers to Rose’s family during this difficult time.”

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Sparks Nazarene Church, 2200 El Rancho Drive in Sparks.

Johns is survived by her husband, Randy, daughter, Jessica , and son, Timmy.

Staff and colleagues at the College of Engineering, said Johns was a compassionate person, good friend and dedicated mother and wife.

They recalled the delight Johns shared with others concerning her daughter’s recent marriage, and the abiding love Johns had for her son.

“Rose dedicated her life to her children,” said Sally Casas, executive assistant to the dean of the College of Engineering. “Timmy is severely autistic and Rose was a champion on behalf of the needs of autistic children. She did everything she could to ensure that Timmy had a very fulfilling life and that his needs were met.”