Rosemarye (Stafford) Oswald

Rosemarye was born in Valley Falls, Kansas, the only child of Henry Merrill and Wilverene (Foster) Stafford.

The family moved to Lawrence in 1940. She attended elementary school, junior high, and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1949. She was a soloist in musical events at LMHS. Rosemarye was a voice major at The University of Kansas, where she was in Dean Swarthout’s acapella choir.

Rosemarye was baptized at the First Christian Church, in Lawrence, and was a soloist in the choir.

She married Don Simpson. They later divorced. She was chairside assistant to John Albers DDS, for several years. She moved to California and Las Vegas, Nevada, where she went to sing with the big bands.

Rosemarye, later, moved to Overland Park, Kansas where she met and married Richard Oswald. To this union, twins Jeffrey and Erin were born. Rosemarye and Richard moved to Lawrence in 2012 when Richards health failed, to be near their son and family.

She is survived by son Dr. Jeffrey (Caren) Oswald, and granddaughter Ashtyn of Lenexa, Kansas. Daughter Erin Gomer of Bristol, Tennessee, grandson Adam VanDekerkhove and granddaughter Chandler VanDekerkhove of Overland Park, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

Rosemarye loved her family, church and her music.

Graveside services will be 11 am, Friday, June 2, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. A visitation will be from 10-10:45 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. She passed away May 29, 2023, at her home. Pastor Barry Foster will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the First Christian Church, Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Messages & Condolences

From Bonnie L. Bond...

Erin, Jeff and family:
I was shocked to hear about Rosemarye’s passing. I had known Rosemarye(Rosemarie) since we were probably or 6 years old. Our parents were good friends, played cards ate together.
I had just talked with her the middle of May and was waiting to hear from her after her move. At the time she told me she thought this move was going to be the death of her. She was a year younger than me. I was looking forward to hearing from her about her new place.
My condolences to all of you, I will miss our calls of reminiscing. We had some good laughs. And some good times over the years.
Bonnie Crawford Bond

From Gail Greene...

So sorry for your lost. It seems she had an amazing life.

From Pamela Rabe...

Dr.Oswald and Family,so sorry about the loss of your Mother.May God Bless you all, during this difficult time. ?

From Bruce Everett Douglas...

Dr. Oswald and family… I am so sorry for your loss. I had the extreme pleasure of knowing Rosemarye these past few years from Brandon Woods. Our weekly sing alongs were always energetic and filled with Rosemarye’s beautiful voice! Hearing her stories about the time she spent in Las Vegas with the likes of Hoagy Carmichael and Jo Stafford (who I understand she is directly related?) continually amazed me. She would sing her signature song, “I’m Always Chasing Rainbow’s” like it was opening night. I will miss her smile and the amazing stories of days gone by. For decades, she was loved by so many people she touched with her talent and heart. My deepest condolences.

From Sarah Henry...

Dr. Oswald and family
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your mother and grandmother. I feel like I got to know her over the years working with you. Prayers to you and the Oswald family.

From Carol and John Grillo...

Jeff, Caren, and Ashtyn. Very sorry for your loss, be comforted knowing she is with Lord, our God now. ❤️ Carol and John…

From Cristy L Sullivan...

Jeff, Caryn and Ashton,
So sorry to hear about your mom/grandmother. Please know you are in our prayers. May she rest in peace.

Messages are closed.