Rosemary Phillips

Rosemary Phillips died November 3, 2024, at the most peace she’s ever known since being born on May 8, 1939. Rosemary was born with a personality as fiery as her hair. She had a deep love of music. While she was often told she looked like Reba, many didn’t know she could sing and play piano like her too (she would probably say better than…) Her extreme organization skills and perfectionism would’ve made her textbook OCD if that had been a thing decades ago. While she gave a lot of credit for her youthful looks to her apothecary of essential oils, many of us are convinced she hid the fountain of youth somewhere in her garden.

She was a graduate of New Albany High School. Many in Jeffersonville may know her as the face and manager of the old S&H Green Stamps store. There, she won many awards for her managerial skills and impeccable store. She later worked in the accounting department for Winn-Dixie stores in Louisville, KY.

Despite the hardships in her life, she never stopped providing her three girls everything they wanted and needed while on a shoestring budget. She didn’t stop persevering even through the deaths of her husband Reggie and beloved daughter Cindy. She never gave up on love, faith, or her belief in God. At 75 years old, giddy and nervous as a girl with her first crush, she married the love of her life, Mike. She is the Lord’s example that even when all hope feels lost, God shows up.

Rosemary had a fierce pride in her family. More than anything, she loved hearing her children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's accomplishments so that she could brag about them to her neighbors. Her love was tough, but she did anything for her family. The only thing she was more protective over than her family was her hair.

We wish she were back here on Earth, but we like to think God really needed advice on Heaven’s garden and called her home. We know she’s directing Him on what figurines, lights, and mailbox covers to put out for the holidays while also thanking him for such a rich life.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Hurst and Viola Lyen; her daughter, Cindy Bowman; her previous husband, Reginald Phillips; step-father, Keith Lyen; grandparents, Rose Blankenbaker Hurst, Otis Hurst, Louis F. Murry, and Grace Thomas; her brother, John Dailey, Jr.; and her uncle, Louis Murry.

Rosemary is survived by her loving husband of 10 years, Michael S. Kelly; her loving daughters, Lynne (Scott) Mayfield and Kimberly (Greg) Bauerla; her wonderful grandchildren, Kyle (Chrissy) Bowman, Tyler (Gina) Kempf, Lindsay Bowman, Thomas (Amanda) Kempf, and Abby Rose Bauerla; her great grandchildren, Grace Kempf, Cayedence Bowman, Liam Kempf, Selah Bowman, Monroe Kempf, and Colin Kempf; her brother, Ronald (Barbara) Hurst; her sisters, Marti (Joseph) Hutt and Arleen (Kent) Koontz; and her nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Rosemary will be held Sunday, November 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, November 11th, 2024.

Her funeral will occur Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, Indiana and a graveside will follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.