Rosemary Benjamin, 75, of Ottumwa died March 31st, 2025 peacefully at her home.
She was born February 5,1950 in Oskaloosa to Paul “Heavy” and Margaret Walter Leatherman. The baby sister to Marjorie, Larry Paul and Karlene. Rosies married Phillip Benjmain December 21, 1968.
Rosie was a 1968 graduate of Ottumwa High School. During her high school years she worked at West End McDonald’s and later as a receptionist at Vaughn Automotive. Rosie had an astonishing career at John Deere Ottumwa Works in product engineering for 48 years, retiring in January 2020. She was adored by many employees and well known for her scholarly life coaching advice.
An accomplished pianist, Rosie enjoyed giving piano lessons. She volunteered for many community organizations throughout the years including Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and the American Cancer Society. Her many diverse interests from bird watching, going to the casinos, boating on family vacations, celebrating everyone’s birthdays and holidays. Her all-time favorite holiday being Christmas.
Rosie was a member of Family Harvest Church in Agency. She loved God and her family. She was well known as a religious scholar amongst her family and friends. Rosie had a giving and caring heart. After retirement, she was a caregiver for her mother-in-law, her son, Bryan who had battled cancer, and her brother, Larry Paul.
Surviving is her husband, Phil; their daughter, Bethany (Thomas) Vasquez of Ottumwa. 5 grandchildren, Blaine Benjamin, Maelei Vasquez, Brynley Benjamin, Maiya Vasquez, and Blakely Benjamin; a sister, Karlene (Norman) Gannon of Springfield, MO; sister in-law, Kay (Gene) Verna of Kansas City, MO; along with many nieces and nephews she loved so much.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Stephanie Rae Ann Benjamin; son, Bryan Edward Benjamin; sister, Marjorie Foster; brother, Larry Paul Leatherman; father in- law and mother in-law, Ray and Cora Benjamin; and nephew, Andrew Paul Gannon.
Visitation will be open after 1p.m. Thursday, April 3rd at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 4th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Brugger and Dr. Craig Payne officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity
