Rosemary Meinking

MEINKING, Rosemary

Age 74, of New Lebanon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 to enter the gates of Heaven. She is known to many as Rose, Rosie, Nana, Grandma Rose, Aunt Ro, and most importantly Mother, Momma, and Momma Bear.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Wanda Pauline (Luntz) Cline; brother Robert Cline; niece Tina Clark; and special great-nephew Tyler Cline.

Rosemary is survived by her husband, George Meinking; two daughters, Rochelle Meinking, and Robyn Meinking (Jules); stepson William Mitchell (Mary Ellen); sister Bonnie Gibson (Joe); grandchildren Katie, Liam, and Bridget Mitchell, Mira Meinking; and Austin and Dakota Gore; niece Michelle Ditmer and special great-nieces Maddi Ditmer and Amber Singleton, who was her birthday buddy. Also her nephews David Cline and Joseph Gibson; her beloved dog PeeWee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too long to list.

Rosemary was born on January 16, 1949 in her Adams County, Ohio home. Her childhood included growing up on her family’s tobacco farm where she learned the value of a hard day’s work. Her family headed north to the Dayton area in 1960. She graduated from Vandalia Butler High School in 1966. Upon graduation, Rosemary headed off for training for the Social Security Administration to begin her civil service career in November 1966. She began in the West Dayton Office working as a Service Representative. In 1982, a new office was created as the Office of Hearings and Appeals. She held many roles such as Hearing Assistant, Supervisor, and Legal Writer. Additionally, she met one of her best friends’ Pam Serrer. She retired in November 2006 with 40 years as a federal employee.

She met the love of her life George while cruising the Frisch’s on Keowee St. This led to 55 years of being together, through good times and bad including George wrecking Rose’s new ’68 Chevelle. On the hot summer day of July 18, 1970, they were wed in marriage at the Wyoming Street Community Church. This union led to their legacy of their two daughters Rochelle and Robyn. Rosemary taught her daughters to be strong, independent, and that they could accomplish anything in their lives. She taught them the value of being a reader, and being kind, compassionate, and accepting. Rosemary taught them what her mother had taught her that blood is not what makes you a family, love does and the importance of helping others.

Rosemary’s love of family and friends is widely known. She also loved the color green, cooking and baking, crafting, vacationing, black coffee, baby Cokes, and sweet desserts. Most of all, she loved to shop. She loved sitting on her back porch as family and friends enjoyed spending the summer days at her pool while cooking out and having corn on the cob. She was happy when others were happy.

Her legacy of kindness will always be remembered. She was a life-long devoted Christian with strong faith. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for the last 18 years where she devoted time to volunteering in several different roles. We believe she loved her role as Wedding Coordinator the most. As one of her friends posted, “Heaven is a lucky place to have her. We hope she is a greeter because everyone deserves to be ushered in by that smile.”

Visitation will be held from 1-4pm on Sunday at Rogers Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday beginning at 11:00am also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Trissel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rosemary’s memory to Maple Tree Cancer Alliance https://www.mapletreecanceralliance.org/donate/, Safe Haven Farms https://www.safehavenfarms.org/ or a non-profit organization that you support. www.RogersFuneralHomes.com