Rosalie Hope Stover, 82, referred to her big sister as “our angel” on earth, joined her Savior and the angels in heaven on Jan. 4, 2022. She died at Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Titusville, Fla.
Rosalie was born Feb. 24, 1939, to Samuel M. and Bernice (Long) Stover. She was born in Ashton, W.Va., and was born to be a nurse. Her family relocated to Ohio in 1948. After graduating from Huntsville (Ohio) High School in 1957, Rosalie entered the Lima Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating from the program in 1960.
She worked as a registered nurse (RN) at Lima Memorial Hospital until she relocated to Titusville, Fla., in 1966. After moving to Titusville, Rosalie served countless patients and their families while working at the Jess Parrish Memorial Hospital. Rosalie was nurturing and compassionate and had an ability to transcend care across multiple generations. As her middle name suggested, she bought hope to those she served. After a lengthy and rewarding career, she retired from Jess Parrish Memorial Hospital.
Her love for others extended to a love of animals. She had sensitivity for all animals and seemed to always have a dog by her side. Rosalie’s kindness to others resulted in lifelong friendships, including her bond with her “sister by heart,” Jo Ann Cantieny, a nurse friend who preceded her in death in 2018. She also had many other loving, caring and generous friends in Florida, whose support enabled her to remain in her home until she was nearing the end of her life. Among these friends was Tim Lane of Pinellas Park, Fla., who was like a brother to Rosalie.
Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Bernice; her brothers, Estel, Milton and Bruce Stover; her nephew, Chris Austin and her brother-in-law, Herbert D. Holley. Survivors include her sister, Lora Alma Holley of Bellefontaine and nieces and nephews, Terry (Merlyn Dee) Brugler, Jerry (Patti) Holley and Jeff Holley, all of Bellefontaine; Kara and Greg Stover of Toledo; Mark and Deanna Austin of Toledo; and Darren, Kipton and Scott Stover of Florida. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews.
Her family will always remember Rosalie’s wonderful sense of humor, her generosity and her sense of adventure that led to many fun trips with her nieces, nephews and their children. We rejoice that Rosalie is now in heaven, likely with a dog by her side.
At her request, no services are being conducted. Donations can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.