Rosie L. Routh

Born in Sarasota, Florida, on May 9, 1931, to Ira Lee Sr. and Willie Bell Clifton Godwin, Rosie entered the world at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which at the time had only had 60 beds. It was the beginning of a lifetime deeply rooted in the community she cherished.

Rosie attended Sarasota High School, where she met the love of her life, Thomas Ray Routh Sr., on a blind date. The two later married in December 1950, and built a family overflowing with faith, warmth, and endless laughter.

A loving wife and mother, Rosie dedicated herself to creating a home filled with joy and nurturing for her three children. She spent most of her years as a stay-at-home mom and later enjoyed helping in the family cabinet business, Ray Routh Inc., She fondly recalled her early job at the soda fountain on Main Street, where she greeted neighbors and newcomers alike.

Rosie was an exceptional baker, well-known for dishes that quickly became family favorites, including her chocolate cake, pound cake, and her beloved chicken dish.

Her creativity shone brightly in her quilts. With a thoughtful design eye and steady hands, Rosie stitched works of art alongside her daughter Susie and her niece Sharon. Each quilt was crafted with patience and precision and included her trademark stitched message, “Made with love.” Every child, grandchild, and great-grandchild received one, making her quilts cherished heirlooms.

Rosie lived her life guided by her unwavering Christian faith. It shaped her actions, lifted her spirit, and provided comfort to those around her. She prayed for anyone in need, supported her family through every season of life, and shared her faith openly and lovingly.

She is survived by her children, Susan Jackson (Gary), Ray Routh Jr. (Lynn), and Scott Routh; her grandchildren, Thomas Jackson, Michael Jackson (Tara), Thomas Routh (Jessie), Julie Wall (Chris), Christina Routh, Adam Routh, and Paige Routh; and her great-grandchildren, Thomas Jackson, Ira Jackson, Audrey Jackson, Trace Jackson, Austin Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Reese Jackson, Aliah Farley, Keira Jackson, Ava Routh, Ellie Routh, Scarlett Routh, Joslynn Routh, Thomas Routh, Madison Wall, Emily Wall, and Lillian Wall, along with her brother, Robert Godwin, and her many nieces and nephews.

The family takes comfort in knowing Rosie has been reunited in heaven with those who preceded her in death, including her parents. She also joins her loving husband Ray Routh, her siblings, Lorene Kluver and Mattie Alday, Ira “Buck” Lee Godwin, Jr., William Odell Godwin, and her grandson Kyle Jackson, who served bravely and died in Iraq in 2006.

Rosie lived every day with grace, generosity, and a heart full of faith. Her legacy remains stitched into the lives of all who knew her and into the family she loved so deeply.

A memorial will be held at South Trail Church of Christ at 5601 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231 on January 17th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Florida Bible Camp, Inc. https://donate.stripe.com/eVa0474tLdLT95C3cf