Rosemary Bode

Rosemary was born Jan. 21, 1937, to Olive and Forrest Edmondson in Denver, CO. Through a series of unfortunate events, she entered an orphanage where she lived for about two years, and was then adopted by Jessie Pearl and Orville Lee Gose from Longmont, CO. This experience was the foundation of Rosemary’s view of being present for her family.

She loved the little things in life that so many of us take for granted. Family was the most important thing in the world for Rosemary. She and her husband Hank moved to Bailey in 1966 and raised their family, which included attending every event their three children (Douglas, Jeffrey, and Terrie) participated in.

In 2007 they moved to Denver as Rosemary’s health required her to be at a lower elevation. There they continued the tradition of attending sporting events, dance performances and musical concerts for their six grandchildren (Chase, Callie, Hunter, Hank (Henry), Harley and Dylan) and their seven great- grandchildren (Lindsey, Heidi, Heather, Magnolia, Gentry, Tate and Jace) until Rosemary’s cancer made it impossible for them to attend. 

Rosemary loved to care for family and friends. She would bake delicious treats for members of the community and later to fill the bellies of concert attendees at her grandson’s events. She would lovingly create quilts for new arrivals in the Bode family. Rosemary often had baked goods or small tokens to show people she cared. 

When eating at fast food places, Rosemary stopped eating adult meals and started ordering kids meals so she could give the small toys to one of her many grandchildren. The family fondly remembers a story of Rosemary and another local matriarch fighting over a treasure at a garage sale for their grandchildren (Rosemary won that battle). She was always thinking of family and finding ways to give them small tokens as a symbol of her love for them. 

When Hank and Rosemary moved to “town” the closet was full of clothes and a box was full of toys and dog treats for when the grandchildren or grand dogs would come to visit. Rosemary loved deeply and fiercely and created a legacy of love and service to her family. 

The horrible beast, cancer, reared its ugly head and slowly began to rob Rosemary of the things and experiences that made her thrive. She fought hard and even though she was embarrassed by her hair loss and need for oxygen, she still showed up to concerts and sporting events. She baked goofballs and other treats and basked in the glory of the accomplishments of those whom she loved. 

Christmas was always a special time for her - it is not without note that God called her home in this season. One particular Christmas is remembered for the twinkle of her eyes which shone so bright as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren all brought instruments - a flute, a cello, guitar and voice - all to perform and make proud the woman who gave them so much. There was food - oh so many desserts - and time just to be present as a family dearly loved by their matriarch and patriarch. 

There are handmade stuffed animals and beautiful quilts adorning the rooms of the next generation all over this nation. There are memories of concert attendees who saw the love of a grandma in the sweets she baked and the pride she showed. There are empty seats in stands of sporting events and dance theaters that once held the proud smile of a generous grandma who would move heaven and earth to be with her family. 

On Dec. 18, 2023, Jesus called Rosemary home where he healed her body and whispered, “well done my good and faithful servant”. Rosemary was the glue of her family but has been called home to glory. While we mourn her loss we rejoice in her healing and her presence with the savior.

Rosemary is survived by her beloved husband (Henry) Hank who lovingly cared for her until the very end. Children - Douglas, Jeffrey and Terrie and their spouses Heidi, Dee and David. Grandchildren and their significant others, Chase (Missy), Callie (Nate), Hunter (Annie), Hank, Harley (Keifer) and Dylan (Leah), and their great-grandchildren Lindsey, Heidi, Heather, Magnolia, Gentry, Tate and Jace. Rosemary was also impor- tant in the lives of her grand dogs who will miss all the treats - Brandi, Nikki, Luna, Polar, Pug, Gus, Molly, Lucy and Bandit. Rosemary will be missed beyond measure.

While we mourn for our sweet mother and grandmother, we rejoice in the knowledge that she has been healed by our Savior, Jesus, and is no longer suffering. While she is in the presence of Jesus, we are left missing her and anxious for the day when we will once again see our sweet Rosemary in heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21 at Horan and McConaty on 3101 S. Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood, Colorado.