Rosemary Espen, a beloved wife, mother, friend, and grandmother, passed away on November 13, 2023, at 95. She was born on January 7, 1928, in Malinta, Ohio, to her loving parents, Walter K. Gunter and Ruby Edwards Gunter. She married William Espen on August 23, 1947, and they were together for 50 years until he passed away on May 5, 1998.
Rosemary is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Debi (Jim) Weirauch, Bill (Jean) Espen, Dan Espen, and David Espen. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Rosemary was the youngest of five. She was preceded in death by adaughter, Carol, her great-grandson Eric Baer, her movie partner whom she had a special relationship with; her siblings: Dan Gunter, Bessie Miller, Elizabeth Cline, Fernie Dice, and Winifred Gunter.
Rosemary was a devoted mother and homemaker. In her younger years, she enjoyed being part of a bowling league. Known for her style, she only left the house once every hair was in place and her outfit was perfect. She loved to go shopping with Debi and out to dinner. Rosemary loved to gamble and made many trips to Las Vegas, Detroit, riverboats in Florida, and other casinos. Rosemary also enjoyed playing BINGO and played whenever she could.
Rosemary loved life. Her smile was infectious, and she made friends wherever she went. She enjoyed many family vacations with Debi, Jami, and her family, shared a beer with Gavin on his 21st birthday, and smiled when David would touch her hair, even though it drove her crazy because he was messing it up. Her sense of humor was unmatched. Our family was so blessed to call her ours.
Rosemary lived at Bowling Green Manor for the last year. She enjoyed all the activities and companionship. She made a lot of beautiful friendships. Whenever she saw a friend, she told them she loved them and did; she loved everyone. She especially loved her nurse, Dawn Haubert, who became family.
A memorial gathering and luncheon will be held in remembrance of Rosemary’s life at Deck-Hanneman Family Funeral Home & Crematory Wooster Street, located at 1460 W. Wooster Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402. Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 11 am until lunch at 1 pm to honor and celebrate the life of Rosemary Espen. A private burial at Oak Grove cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Eric Jaden Baer Memorial Scholarship.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Bowling Green Manor for their wonderful care of Rosemary.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
