She was a native of Marion County, Kentucky, born in Raywick on Thursday, December 13, 1934. She was raised in Howardstown, Kentucky, which she always referred to as “the home place” even after living the last 70 years of her life in Louisville. Rosemary was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a guide and role model for her siblings, and a skilled and caring nurse. She was a proud 1956 graduate of the Sts. Mary and Elizabeth School of Nursing and was for many years the President of its Alumnae Association. Rosemary was also a member of the American Nurses Association and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Nurses Alumnae. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Spalding College in 1983.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, John Walter Boone and Cecilia Aloise Thompson Boone; her devoted husband of 30 years, William Eldred Burt; and her sisters, Clara Jean Wheatley and Nancy Boone Wimsett.
She is survived by her son, William E. Burt, Jr. (Karen); grandsons William E. Burt III and Benjamin Everett Burt; step grandson, Lucas S. Maurer; sisters, Ruth Boone, Catherine Kleier (Dan), Elizabeth Irene Boone, Sue D. Boone, and Mariam Johnson (Mark); brothers, Earl J. Boone (Chris), John W. Boone, Jr. (Carolyn), James Leo Boone (Betty), and Robert Boone; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins to cherish her memory.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 am at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church. Rosemary will be laid to rest following Mass in Calvary Cemetery in Louisville, where she will rest alongside her husband. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home – Southern Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arch L. Heady and Son Funeral Home – Southern Chapel, “Where Personal And Sincere Service Is Tradition.”
