Rosemary Jane (Spence) McGaughey, daughter of the late Thomas and Helen Jane (Gould) Spence was born on October 11, 1929 in Newaygo County, Michigan and departed this life on September 6, 2020 at her home in Billings, MO. At the time of her passing she was 90 years, 10 months, and 24 days of age.
Rosemary, or as her mom called her “The Last Rose of Summer,” was married New Year’s Day in 1950 to Lee Roy Embree, and to this union three children were born, Mary Lee, Michelle Jane, and Michael Roy. Mary Lee and Michael Roy passed away shortly after birth.
She was a hard worker her entire life, from gathering eggs as a young girl, to nursing, to a computer programmer for 20 years at Campbell “66” Express Trucking Company, and finally as a foster-grandparent at OACAC. Rosemary raised large gardens to can and filled many Mason jars. She was also a wonderful cook and was best known for her excellent pies.
She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 12. Her faith only grew stronger as she faced the struggles of life. She proudly portrayed the verse “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” both inside and outside her home. Rosemary played a large part in the life of her only granddaughter Jennifer Jane and played the same loving role in the lives of her great-grandsons, Trevor and Brennan.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; and one sister.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle Jane “Mikki” & her adored son-in-law Cliff who always referred to her as “our Mom”; one brother, Terry “Tut”; granddaughter, Jennifer Jane; great-grandsons, Trevor and Brennan who were her pride and joy; and numerous special nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Compassus Hospice employees, Denise Sharp, Jeff Ewalt, and Jeff Johnson for their compassionate care for our Rosemary and family and Amazing Grace Senior Care owner Tiffina and helper Shelby for respite care during her last three weeks of Rosemary’s life. You are such a blessing to us. Also, a special thank you to Bonnie and Shelly from LCM and others who gave loving care during her brief stay.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Chaplain Jeff Johnson officiating. Escorts were friends and family. Interment was in the New Hope Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo.
Visitation was from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Hope Cemetery Fund.
