Rose Marie Mathews

Rose Marie Mathews

Marion - Rose Marie Mathews, age 92, of Marion, died peacefully on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at her home in the Primrose Retirement Community following an extended illness.

On January 31, 1930, Rose was born in Marion, Ohio, one of eleven children of the late Marion E. "Fuzzy" and Gladys (Gleason) Fosnaugh. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the class of 1947.

Shortly following graduation, Rose got a train ticket from her father to visit her sister in San Diego, California. During her visit, somehow she found a way to work in a store on the Naval base there, where she had a frequent customer who was especially fond of their perfume, Naval Cadet, Thurman R. Mathews. From there, the rest is history. Upon his honorable discharge, he followed her back to her hometown of Marion, where they married on March 5, 1950. Together they shared sixty-seven wonderful years of marriage.

While Thurman was growing the family car dealership businesses, Rose was the CHO of their home, chief home operator. She was a deeply devoted, loyal wife, a proud mother of four sons, she was the biggest fan of her ten grandchildren, and she enjoyed the expanding family of great-grandchildren. She was the consummate host, creating a lovely home and environment to spend time with her family and friends, especially going all out and cherishing holidays together. She was a 4'11" fireball, who had her own unique way of keeping everyone in line, even Thurman her family joked.

In the rare moments when Thurman wasn't working, Rose and Thurman quickly made their way to their home away from home, their cottage of sixty plus years on Lake Erie. She even supported Thurman's love for walleye fishing, by throwing regular fish fries, with an unbeatable side of potato salad. One of their favorite pastimes on the lake (and at home too), was playing all different types of card games with family and friends.

Having a zest for life, Rose had countless interests and hobbies she loved throughout her life. She enjoyed playing golf, and was a member of the Marion Country Club. She loved bowling, playing in many leagues over the years, especially her treasured tournaments in Lake Tahoe. Other honorable mentions for Rose were: crossword puzzles, reading novels, sewing, garage sales, boat rides, fishing, traveling, blackjack in Vegas, dinner with friends and family, and on and on. She also was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion.

Rose will be missed by her four sons: T. Robert (Beth) Mathews of Sandusky, OH, Thomas (Renee') Mathews of Marion, OH, Michael Mathews of Oak Harbor, OH and Timothy Mathews of Oregon, OH; ten grandchildren: Robert (Jamie) Mathews, Danielle (Robert) Weger, Morgan (Chuck) Wadding, Shayla (A.J.) Hensel, Spencer (Brittany) Mathews, Clark (Abby) Mathews, Alyssa Mathews, Brianne Mathews, Andrea Mathews and Tate Mathews; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Vicky Legos and Betty Fogel; a brother-in-law, Neil Mathews; a sister-in-law, Esther Stambro; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including her husband and parents, Rose was preceded in death by two daughters-in-law: Debra Mathews and Kim Mathews; three great-grandchildren; and six sisters and two brothers.

Services honoring Rose's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2022, at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center Street Marion, OH. Following, burial will be observed privately by her family in Marion Cemetery. Her family will then greet friends 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Brickyard Marion Country Club, 135 S. Main St., Marion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 E. Center St., Marion, OH 43302, OhioHealth Foundation, c/o Marion Hospice (https://foundation.ohiohealth.com/), or to a charity of your choice.

On behalf of their family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to all of the wonderful caretakers she has had the past few years, especially her angels: Kirsten, Amanda, Brittany, and Tray; and everyone with OhioHealth Hospice for making everything so peaceful for Rose.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Gunder/Hall Chapel, are honored to serve Rose's family and your memories and condolences can also be shared via www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.