It is with profound sorrow that the family of Rosamond Blockinger Osman announces her death on December 19, 2018, at the age of 90, at Friendship Village, Tempe, Arizona after a lengthy illness.
Rose, as she liked to be called, was born on the family farm on July 22, 1928 in Marshall, Illinois. Her parents were Fairy Lichtenberger and William Austin Blockinger. Rose attended school in a one room school house which was owned by her parents and was on the farm property. Rose moved to Marshall as a young teenager and finished high school, graduating in 1947.
Rose held many administrative assistant positions, including working for Marathon Oil Company and eventually worked for Mesa Community College (MCC) in the English Department. Rose also received her AA degree and later retired from MCC.
Rose was very proud of her tenure as Queen of the Red Hat Society, a position that she enjoyed thoroughly. Rose also was a prolific baker, especially at the holidays when she would host open houses at the parsonage.
Rose met the love of her life, her husband Herb, in 1955 and the two were married on June 23, 1957, in Marshall, IL. Their devotion to each other was evident in the partnership they forged while working together at each of Herb’s appointments during his ministry. Rose was always at his side both as a minister’s wife and as his administrative assistant in many of Herb’s appointments. Rose also played the piano and assisted in worship services in this capacity as well as participating in various church choirs. Rose enjoyed the annual rummage sales at the church and was a great supporter of church functions, potlucks, and charity drives.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Herb. Rose is survived by her daughter Mary (Tim), son Mark (Susan), son Mike (Karen), grandchildren Jacob (Darci), Ian, Sarah, Tanner, Brianna, Kaitlin, and Esme, great-grandson Cooper, great-granddaughter Kaylea, sister Evelyn (Tom), brother Dean, sister-in-law Ruby (Sam), brother-in-law Marlin (Judy) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service for Rose will be held at her residence.
Rose will be remembered for her support of her husband and their ministry, especially related to the homeless. To that end, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to UMOM New Day Centers, Inc., 3333 East Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85008, phone (602) 275-7852, so that this important outreach work can continue to make a difference in peoples’ lives.
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