Rosella Smathers

Rosella Ramsey Smathers, affectionately known as “Rosie,” passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Bay Area Kindred Hospital, Pasadena, Texas, after a prolonged battle with a failing heart. Born in Alto, Texas, she spent her younger years in East Texas, surviving the Great Depression with her family. Upon moving to Pasadena in her late teens, she graduated Pasadena High School and married J. B. Smathers of Canton, North Carolina. She spent her remaining years as a dedicated homemaker and loving mom for him and their five daughters. She was a devout Christian, sharing her deep faith and conviction through gospel music, through witnessing to anyone who would listen (and even those who wouldn’t!), and through her amazing and inspiring example for living. Rosie enjoyed life! She enjoyed fishing, cooking, playing with the grandchildren. She loved music, determined that all five daughters would study piano throughout their school years, while she played beautifully by ear. She served as pianist at her church for many years, right up to within a few months of her death. She was always upbeat and happy, no matter the circumstances, knowing that God would keep her strong and safe through anything that Life presented. She loved all God’s children, caring openly for everyone around her; but especially for her own children and their families. As she approached her last days, she assured all around her that she was ready for her Heavenly Home.

Rosie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay in 2008. Left to cherish her precious memory are her daughters Dianne Murden & husband Guy of Fairfield, Susan Allen of Austin, Teresa Simpson of Pasadena, Teena Boren of Pasadena, and Gail Pedneau & husband Mickey of Pasadena. Also, grandchildren Dr. Blake Murden of Driftwood, Nikki Murden Fernandes of Wink, Nathan Allen and Maggie Allen of Austin, Heather Schmidt Shrum and Amy Schmidt Atherton of Pasadena, Adrian Cabiness and Jennifer Cabiness Sullins of Baytown, Carey Grace Dworacek of Richwood, Shauna Boren Allen of Austin, Taylor Boren of Pasadena, Brittany Boren Bogle of San Diego, and Ethan Pedneau of Pasadena. Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews throughout Texas and North Carolina will miss having “Aunt Rosie” in their lives.

With love in our hearts, we bid farewell to our Dear Mother, Grandma Dodie, Aunt Rosie, knowing that you are singing with the angels, forever and ever!