Obituary of Rose West

Rose Mary Marchese was born in Monroe on October 12, 1954. She was one of five children born from the union of the late Bennie J. and Doris (Hiser) Marchese. Rosemary attended St. Joseph School and St. Mary's Academy graduating from Monroe High School in 1972. She married the love of her life, James D. West in Monroe on August 16, 1975. Rosemary being a hard worker maintained the family's home and also worked for several local employers. She spent fifteen years at Kmart working in the office and as a cashier, and then seven years employed with the Salvation Army as an office assistant and with social services. Rosemary and James were extremely active with the Army. She served in Youth Ministry and as a Girl Guard Leader and Sunday School Teacher. After leaving employment at the Army she took a position with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Rosemary used this new capacity as a Corrections Officer to continue ministering to those around her. She had a deep love for people and was exceptionally levelheaded. Using these gifts she had the innate ability to diffuse any situation that arose, although this should never be mistaken for weakness. In 2012, Rosemary retired after thirteen years of service. Rosemary also loved collecting teddy bears, arts and crafts, cooking and baking. She enjoyed making silk flower arrangements, and helped others with wedding flowers and cakes on multiple occasions. Rosemary, age 59 of Monroe passed away at home on Friday, June 27, 2014. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a daughter-in-law: Judith; and a nephew: David LeVeque. To cherish her memory, Rosemary leaves a loving husband: James; one son: Jeremy; three sisters: Lynda (Mike) McCarty, Marie Wehner, and Patricia (Rick) West; one brother: Bennie Marchese; six grandchildren: Amber Brown, Ashlynne West, Eric Moore Jr., Miranda Moore, Domanick West, and Amelia Rose West; countless nieces and nephews, and was a grandma to numerous children at the Army. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, June 30, 2014 and from 12:00pm until a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm on Tuesday, July 1 at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services). Captain Cindy and Tom Brockway will co-officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.