Rosemary "Rosie" Austin

Rosemary “Rosie” Austin, 95, of Charleston, IL passed away at 1:48 PM on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. 

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. following the Visitation on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the funeral home. Rev. Barney Wells will officiate. A private committal service will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 in the Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. 

Rosie was born on May 22, 1929 in Charleston, IL. She was the daughter of Willis and Anna Mae (Talbott) Craig. She married William A. Austin on November 1, 1946 in Paducah, KY. He passed away on September 5, 1990.

She is survived by two daughters, Billie J. Connelly of Mattoon, IL and Jo Ellen Watkins and her husband John of Sullivan, IL, her daughter-in-law, Tomi Sue Austin of Arcola, IL, ten grandchildren, Kelly Morgan and her husband Jason of Mattoon, IL, Brandie Maple and her husband Eric of Mattoon, IL, Scott Gossett and his wife Carrie of Casey, IL, Michelle Neal and her husband Tom of Charleston, IL, Kurt Swango and his wife Christina of Charleston, IL, Eric Swango and his wife Danielle of Charleston, IL, Mark Austin of Ashmore, Jami Austin of Charleston, IL, Jessica Vanausdoll and her husband Shawn of Arthur, IL and Jordan Watkins and his wife Kendra of Arthur, IL, 22 great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Jim Austin, one daughter, Susan Swango, and one sister, Norma Ingram.

Rosie graduated from teachers’ college at Eastern and went on to lead a fulfilling life. Her kind and welcoming personality left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was always eager to help others and continuously inquired about their needs.

Outside of helping with chores on the farm, Rosie had a wide array of hobbies and interests. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, needlepointing, cross-stitching, boating, gardening, canning, she was in a couple different card groups, where she enjoyed playing pinochle. She was skilled at dressing chickens and preparing them for meals. 

She was known by most as “Grandma Rosie” a title that stuck with her after serving as “Camp Grandma” at Little Galilee Christian Camp. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their ball games, playing all sorts of card games and board games with them, and working puzzles. She was a fun and loving grandma; she lived life to the fullest and was adventurous. She made colorful Afghans for all her grandchildren.

She was an active member of the Walnut Grove Christian Church, and the Charleston Home Extension.

Memorials may be made to the Walnut Grove Christian Church or the donor’s choice.