"Rosie" Rose Marie Kellison

"Rosie" Rose Marie [nee Luster] Kellison

Preceded in death by her husband, Karl J. Kellison and mother Levetta [Luster] Searls.

Survived by her son Kurt G. Kellison, daughter-in-law Paula Marie Froehle, grandchildren Alex A. Kellison and Grace Marie Kellison; and an extended family including Norma Dillon, Rebecca [Dillon] Frangopoulos, and the Ferryman-Luster family.

Rosie was born in Springfield on March 10, 1930. A lifelong resident here, she lived her life to the fullest, accomplishing all the things that were most important to both her and her family.

She was a graduate of Springfield High, Class of '48, where she met the man who would become her husband of over 50 years, Karl. After graduation, she spent a year at Miami University's Women's College - but left to set out on her remarkable career.

Rosie applied for and accepted an internship as a stenographer at The Miami Herald, one of Florida's foremost newspapers to this day -- and flew there in a small single-propeller plane. Upon her return, she pursued the entrepreneurial path by opening her own clothing store "Rose Marie's Maternity Shop", which was located in downtown Springfield's historic Arcade Building -- a pioneering effort in the 1950's to be sure, stepping into the footsteps of her mother's similarly remarkable journey. She even lived in Frank Lloyd Wright's legendary 'Westcott House', back when it had been divided into apartments; decades later, she shared her experiences there in a video interview with the restoration committee.

Eventually, Rosie found her calling at Wright-Patterson AFB, where she began in the secretarial pool. In fairly short order, she became the "right-hand" of several colonels and generals -- eventually attaining the highest possible station in that career track.

Yet she knew she was capable of -- and wanted much more. She actually went "back down the ladder", risking an already successful career to effectively start from scratch in the Material Management Area -- where she again rose to the top, coordinating the incredibly detailed logistics and moves of entire departments & divisions -- on what was then the largest civilian air base in North America. She retired from WPAFB with the highest possible honor : The Civilian Service Award; her ceremony was presided over by a 3-Star General.

After retirement, Rosie and Karl embarked on numerous international travel adventures across North America and Europe, making new friends all along the way, whom she remained close to for the rest of her life. They also continued to enjoy their cherished, decades-long membership at Lakewood Swim & Athletic Club, where many other close friends also belonged. Beauregard, their beloved canine companion spent over 21 human years by their side, always tending the home fires. After Karl passed, Rosie shared a special friendship with longtime friend Mario D'Ambrosio, of Bethesda, MD until his passing.

Beyond that bountiful array of accomplishments, Rosie also co-founded the Gold Bucks Investment Club with some of her closest friends, oversaw Springfield High's 50th Reunion event, and was the managing director of Springfield's philanthropic Nearly New Shop.

As a mother and grandmother, Rosie was a "first ballot Hall of Famer" -- dedicated to her family, always making sure we had what we needed, and delivering for us under any & all circumstances. She was truly beloved by everyone who knew her, and created a rich foundation of dedication, integrity, loyalty and unconditional love for all that were closest to her. She spent lovely days with her family, friends and caregivers -- especially Rhonda Drummond, to whom we are eternally indebted -- enjoying her favorite Hummingbird films, all the way down the line.

Special thanks to Cassie Wheeler, Dr. Stephen Oehlers, and the staff at Ohio Hospice for your kindness, wisdom, and guidance in the course of our journey.

A Celebration of Life Event is planned for March, 2022.

"WE LOVE YOU, ROSIE!"