Mrs. Rosalie Fleetwood, 85, passed from this life into the arms of her Heavenly Father at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at her home in Marion, IL, surrounded by her loving family.
Rosalie was born May 12, 1932, in Unionville, IN, the daughter of William "Jiggs" and Creasie Pearl (Fielder) Fritch. She married E. Max Fleetwood on May 4, 1951, in Bloomington, IN. Together, they shared 66 years of marriage. He survives.
Rosalie was first and foremost, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She felt her calling in life was to love and care for her family, and she took immense joy in spending time with them. She enjoyed caring for her home and making it a place where her family could come together, enjoy each other’s company and feast on her delicious meals, prepared with love.
In Galatians 5:13, Paul wrote: “serve one another humbly in love.” Rosalie embodied this scriptural verse and spent her entire life serving others, quietly and humbly. Rosie’s family often joked that even strangers sensed her inordinate ability to listen and would stop her, in the grocery store or on the street, and talk with her, telling her their concerns and needs. All who did encounter her in this way came away with a sense that she cared, that they had been heard and that she would remember them in her prayers.
Mrs. Fleetwood was a member of Unionville Church of Christ, having given her heart to God at a very young age. Until her health no longer permitted, she could be found at the church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night. Her brothers and sisters in Christ were her most valued friends.
Rosie’s first job was working behind the counter at the Woolworth’s Dime Store. With her earnings she was able to purchase her clothing for school. After a few short term jobs she settled in at Indiana University in the Microfilm Department. She retired from the University in 1994 after 27 years of service. While she enjoyed her work and her fellow workers she also embraced retirement. Upon retiring she enjoyed shopping at the College Mall, but only after she finished walking her self-imposed requirement of three miles per day.
Survivors include her loving husband, E. Max Fleetwood; son, James (Jimmy) and Julie Fleetwood of Bloomington; daughter, Debby and Tom Dibble of Marion, IL; four grandchildren, Jeremy Fleetwood, Jama and Andrew Chandler, Michael Dibble, Mary and Dustin Motsinger; four great-grandchildren, Drew Chandler, Bailey Chandler, Taylor Dibble and Max Motsinger; one brother, Jack and Gloria Fritch, as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James P. Fritch.
The family would like to thank the excellent care givers who have provided such tender and loving care for Rosie; Anna Marie Lawson, Jeanette Warren, Kendra Murphy and Darlene Heidelbaugh.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 25th in the Unionville Church of Christ in Unionville, IN. Rev. Allen Ketchersid will officiate. Interment will take place at Clear Creek Cemetery in Clear Creek. Visitation will be from 5-8 on Wednesday, May 24th at The Funeral Chapel in Bloomington, IN. For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Berean Children’s Home in Brookport, MS. Envelopes will be available and accepted at The Funeral Chapel: 3000E. 3rd St. Bloomington, IN.