Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley

Rose was brought to this earth through the gift of a miracle. Her parents are Fillmore Lewis Smiley IV and Glori Ann Smiley (Esquibel). Rose's parents met in 2004 and married in 2007. Rose's mom was told by several doctors that she would never be able to conceive and suffered through several miscarriages. Rose's parents tried conceiving for years and finally consulted with an in vitro fertilization specialist. Sadly, Glori's grandfather passed away, and Rose's parents went to New Mexico. Then Rose's mom became pregnant. Glori always felt like Rose was a gift from her grandparents. Rose is truly a miracle.
Rose was born at St. Bernardine Medical Center on December 5th, 2009. Rose was the most beautiful baby. Glori fell in love with Rose the moment she found out that she was pregnant with Rose. Fillmore's life was changed the moment Rose was born and felt an unconditional love he had never felt before. Rose brought her parents meaning and purpose beyond belief. Rose's parents were fortunate to be able to spend the first several years of Rose's life working and gaining education from home. The ability to spend so much time with Rose was a gift from the Universe. Then another miracle. Nine months after Rose was born her parents found out that she was going to have a little brother. Fillmore "Cinco" Lewis Smiley V was born on June 7, 2011. Cinco has always loved his sister the most of all. Watching the two of them grow up has been the greatest joy two parents could ever experience.

Anyone whose life was touched by Rose knows how truly special she was. The word 'unique' is overused in our modern lexicon, but Rose truly was like no other.

An easy way to get to know Rose is by clicking on these three links.
Rose's Celebration of Life slideshow: https://youtu.be/I_ZdqRKC7cY?feature=shared
Initial interview with Michele Gile: https://youtu.be/H6NBImlblfs?si=iTjYCSbwaYoMg40-
The coverage of the press conference: https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/family-of-14-year-old-girl-killed-by-alleged-drunk-driver-call-for-dui-reform/
Or simply Google "Rosenda Smiley."

Before the press conference we held at the memorial site where Rose was killed, I had people give me the three words they would use to describe Rose. Here is the list in order of most selected:

54 Words Used to Describe Rose: Funny * Loving * Intelligent * Beautiful * Stubborn * Witty * Caring * Kind * Compassionate * Brave * Strong * Sweet * Happy * Passionate * Opinionated * Creative * Friendly * Thoughtful * Sassy * Vibrant * Charismatic * Self-Aware * Unique * Silly * Honest * Feisty * Clever * Cheerful * Bold * Amazing * Carefree * Unforgettable * Admirable * Loyal * Generous * Leader * Persuasive * Polite * Respectful * Inspiring * Traveler * Independent * Extraordinary * Adventurous * Fighter * Energetic * Exuberant * Candid * Cool * Engaging * Edgy * Artistic * Entertaining * Dedicated

Rose Smiley – Deceased
Glori Smiley - Mother
Fillmore Smiley (Cinco) - Brother
Fillmore Smiley IV – Father

How do I live without you?
Oh my Love I do not.
You are with me from the moment I open my eyes until they close.
And even after that, on the plane of dreams where mortals and souls meet, you are with me still.

“I’ve not learned to live without you,
perhaps I never will, the truth of the matter is, you are always with me still.”

You walked such a blazing pathway, when your feet were on this earth, that your imprint lingers on and I place my own feet in your steps, one by one.

How do I live without you?
It’s really very simple.
I do not.

“I have yet to live without you,
perhaps I never will,
perhaps the key to grief is,
you are always with me still.”

Wonderfully written by Donna Ashworth ~ From ‘Wild Hope’ ❤️
“I have yet to live without you,

ROSENDA ELIZABETH SMILEY
12/5/2009 - 5/25/2024
ROSE WAS A UNIQUE SOUL: VIBRANT, VIVACIOUS, SPIRITED, AND A SMILE THAT MELTED YOUR HEART. ROSE IS LOVED BEYOND MEASURE AND MISSED BEYOND WORDS. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley was a miracle from the start. Her parents had been told they would never have children, but against all odds, Rose arrived on December 5, 2009, strong, healthy, and full of life. From the moment she was born, she carried a rare and radiant light, bringing joy, laughter, and boundless love to all who knew her.

Rose’s personality was as unforgettable as her dazzling smile. She was funny, loving, intelligent, stubborn, witty, kind, compassionate, brave, and vibrant—a true force of nature. She had a sharp mind, an undeniable presence, and an ability to make anyone feel seen and valued. She was fiercely independent, always standing up for herself and others, unafraid to speak her mind with honesty and warmth. Her energy was contagious, and her enthusiasm for life was limitless.

Rose traveled the world, visiting five continents, over a dozen countries, and more than half the states. She had a deep love for the arts, holding season tickets at the Pantages Theatre for years, with Hamilton as her favorite play. She delighted in attending concerts, exploring museums, experiencing amusement parks, and immersing herself in performances that inspired her. She embraced adventure in all forms, never shying away from new experiences that broadened her horizons. Rose liked mushrooms, sunsets, the ocean, butterflies, hummingbirds, dogs, cats, flowers, and her favorite stuffie was a fluffy bear.

On May 25, 2024, Rose’s life was stolen in an instant. While at the beach with friends, she stepped into the crosswalk where all lanes of cars had stopped to let her, her friend, and her stepsister pass. But before they could make it across, a reckless drunk driver swerved into the right turn lane to bypass traffic, killing Rose instantly. The driver, who had his eight-year-old daughter in the car, had two prior DUI convictions.

Her story is tragic, and it must be told—not only to honor her but to bring awareness to the preventable choices that led to her death. But Rose is so much more than what happened to her. She was a free spirit, a kind and compassionate soul who saw the good in everyone. She lived life fully, embracing each experience and loving without hesitation. Her presence was magnetic, drawing people in with her warmth, courage, and unwavering sense of self.

Her legacy lives on, not only through the memories of those who loved her but through the lasting tribute of Rosenda’s Gift, a charity founded in her name to ensure that lives lost to tragedy are honored, remembered, and never erased. Rose’s life was extraordinary, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

Grief is the price of deep love. We mourn her because we were so incredibly lucky to have loved her. While the pain will never fade, neither will the gratitude for the gift of Rosenda Elizabeth Smiley—a name that will never be forgotten, and a smile that will forever be missed. Rose's mother, father, brother, boyfriend, family members, friends, and all those who loved her deeply are still trying to find a way forward in a world without her. The weight of her absence is immeasurable, and learning to navigate life without her feels like an impossible task—one they will carry with them always. Yet, in grief, there is also love, and through that love, her spirit endures.