Rosa Lee Hale Crutcher-Whitfield

Rosa Lee Hale, Crutcher-Whitfield, born November 15, 1925, entered into eternal rest on March 19, 2011. The second of five siblings born in Toledo, Ohio to Daniel and Estorrah Hale, she accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of then Bishop Will Spencer at the Rehoboth Temple. She later transitioned her membership to The City of Zion Church. After graduating from Columbus Public Schools she married her school sweetheart, Charles Crutcher and from that union two children Ana and Charles were born.

Her careers led her down many paths including working as a baker at the Port Columbus Airport “Dobbs House”, preparing meals for outgoing flights, a cook at several of the Long Street and Mt. Vernon Avenue restaurants during their heyday, as well as Curtis Wright (DCSC) during the 40’s at which time women were referred to as Rosie-the Riveter.

Her passion was cooking and feeding all that might enter her home. She was especially known for her juicy turkeys and homemade rolls. It is the world’s loss that her recipe passed with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Estorrah Hale, sisters, Anna “Bootsie” Hale, Jessie “Dottie” Oliver, brothers Daniel Hale and Theodore “Sonny” Hale. She married Harry Whitfield in the 70’s but was widowed after only a few years. She was referred to as Mommy, Gammy, Mother and Sis, but equally loved by all. Following a host of hospital stays, it became a family joke the she was our “Bionic Woman” as a result of her many artificial body replacements. She was one that seldom complained though she had more than enough reason to do so. She often quoted her favorite scripture “and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life her daughter, Ana Crutcher, Sinclair-Parker (Denson); son: Pastor Charles K. [Mary] Crutcher; a host of family members; her loving and devoted granddaughter Kellie Sinclair; three grandsons: Delane (Leslie) Crutcher, Casey Crutcher, Michael Crutcher, and nine great grandchildren and one great great-grandchild.

We cherish and thank her Barnett Plaza family, her best friend and life sister Mary Madelyn Tatum, Pauline Hawkins and Vertis Young.

Rosa Lee’s passing completes the reuniting of the Hale family.