Rosemary E. Marley, 82, of Mt. Pleasant, died unexpectedly on Friday, January 3, 2025 at the Henry County Health Center Emergency Room after suffering a fall at her home.
Mrs. Marley, the former Rosemary Emma Hallowell, was born May 1, 1942 in Iowa City, IA. She was the daughter of Carl Joseph and Beulah Edith (Miller) Hallowell. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1960. She worked at the Hy-Vee Food Store where she met and began dating the man who became the love of her life. On July 2, 1961 at the Salem Methodist Church, Rosemary was united in marriage to William Warner “Bill” Marley. It was a love and partnership that lasted 58 years until Bill’s passing on Sunday, April 26, 2020 in Iowa City.
After their marriage, Rosemary worked at Smitty’s Cleaners and Motorola in Mt. Pleasant. Together with Bill, they cleaned houses for numerous families in the area. Rosemary also babysat for many people as well.
Rosemary was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, seldom missing a worship service. A gifted cook, Rosemary prepared a meal every Saturday night for the Saturday night worship service at FUMC. Rosemary employed her cooking skills far more than at church. She would host her fellow co-workers from Motorola for suppers. Other groups and individuals were the beneficiaries of her skills in the kitchen and their hospitality. When the meals were not at her house, Rosemary would prepare meals and take them to people.
Rosemary loved flowers and enjoyed tending to her flower beds. She was a devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, cheering them on, no matter what sport it was. Above and beyond all this, Rosemary loved pleasing people and would go out of her way to bring life and joy into someone’s life.
Those thankful for sharing in Rosemary’s life include her 4 children – Deb Marley of Mt. Pleasant, Dawn (Ron Walgren) Marley of Maui, Hawaii, Denise (Brian) Kirby of Mt. Pleasant, and Doug (Ashly) Marley of Mt. Pleasant; her sister – Carlene Miller of Ft. Madison; 2 grandsons – Spencer Kirby and Kasey (Michaela Speketer) Kirby, and 4 great grandchildren – Izabella Rose Kirby, Isla Kirby, Oakland Kirby and Bennett Duncan.
Her parents and husband Bill precede Rosemary in death.
Friends may call from 12 Noon to 8 PM on Wednesday, January 8 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 4-6PM.
The funeral service for Rosemary will be 11 AM on Thursday, January 9 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The Reverend Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Cremation Rites will be accorded following the service, and Rosemary’s ashes will be interred on Friday at the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com