Rosemary Carol Neely

Rosemary was the third daughter of John and Mary Chandler. She attended Lincoln Elementary School, Byers Junior High School, and South High School where she graduated in 1976. In high school, she was a member of the choir and band, was on the girls track team and was a member of the yearbook staff. She was honored as a “Rebel Rouser” in her senior year, with a special recognition in the yearbook which included a story and picture. During her school years she was also active in Job’s Daughters, the Masonic organization for girls, where she was active with the drill team and traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia and Los Angeles, California where she had her first visit to Disneyland. She was made Honored Queen in 1975. After high school Rosemary attended Colorado Mountain College and Colorado State University where she met some of her life-long friends.

After leaving college, Rosemary began her career in banking at Central Bank in downtown Denver. While on the teller line she was even held-up, or so it seemed. Rosemary actually knew the gentleman who had unknowingly used a deposit slip on which someone else had written a hold up note! Rosemary grew in her banking career and began working in Loan Administration at Colorado National Bank. She later began working at Wells Fargo Bank where she became a valued member of their Wholesale Loan Department as a Senior Loan Administrator; continuing her career with them for the past twenty years. Rosemary met her future husband, William “Bill” Neely, in 1979. She and her friend Karen noticed him when he was working at The Pub near Montview and Clinton in Aurora. They were married in 1981 at Grant Avenue United Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado; the same church where her parents had been married in 1954.

In 1987 Rosemary’s greatest wish was granted when her first child, Jennifer, was born. Douglas followed in 1990 and the years that followed were Rosemary’s happiest. Her greatest joy was her family, and family always came first. In raising her children, Rosemary wrapped herself in her children and their interests. She spent countless hours volunteering for their school activities and their other interests, including Girl and Boy Scouts. When Jennifer joined Job’s Daughters she helped her with the memorization of the Ritual and spent many hours organizing and supporting the girls’ activities. When Douglas played soccer and football, she attended every game, rain or shine, always cheering, win or lose. When the kids got into high school they both joined the marching band at Dakota Ridge High School. Rosemary quickly became a “band mom” when she joined the Band Booster club. She worked and supported the fund raisers, such as bingo and concessions at the Pepsi Center. She spent long days in the stands at all-day band competitions. In 2004 Rosemary took charge of arranging the trip for 120 band members and chaperons to New York City. She organized the air travel, the hotels, the chaperons and the kids’ other activities while there. She made sure they got to experience all the City had to offer; going to a Broadway show, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center and the NBC studios. The only casualty was a cell phone in the Hudson River. In 2005, Rosemary volunteered to be in charge of feeding the band at their competitions. There are memories of making pounds and pounds of spaghetti, a hundred baked potatoes, tacos and sloppy joes. Rosemary wanted to make sure the kids got a good hot meal on those long days.

After the kids’ school days, it wasn’t too long until they each found their own special person. Douglas married Kim Lamphere on July 27, 2013. Rosemary prepared a memorable rehearsal dinner for them and also spent a lot of time helping with the decorations for the wedding. She prepared a special video and slide show for her Mother-Son dance with Douglas. On August 22, 2015 Jennifer married Steven Anderson. Being the Mother of the Bride she again showed her extraordinary talent for organization. She shopped and crafted and helped plan their wedding. Again, she prepared a special slide show and video for Bill’s Father-Daughter dance with Jennifer. On March 13, 2015 Rosemary’s joy was made complete when her grandson, Easton, was born and her family started its second generation. Rosemary took her grandson to Disneyland for his first birthday and looked forward to babysitting, playing with him, and watching him grow.

Rosemary loved going dancing and to Cheyenne Frontier Days, the National Western Stock show, Jimmie Buffet, Green Day and Alan Jackson concerts. She loved country music and the oldies. She loved history, especially Colorado history. She loved to travel and was able to take many memorable trips including several to Disneyland and Disney World. She went to the Bahamas, New York City, Boston, MA, Las Vegas, NV, Spokane, WA, St Louis, MO, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore. Most recently she toured Memphis and the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. She loved her sentimental Hallmark Channel movies and all things Disney. She was loyal almost to a fault, even for her animals. Her zest for life was contagious, her energy boundless, and her capacity to love was endless. She left us all with a model of a life well and fully lived.

Rosemary is survived by her husband; William, two children; Jennifer (Steven), Douglas (Kim), one grandson; Easton, and two sisters; Colleen and Lori.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00am at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary in Centennial. Viewing will be held one hour prior. Rosemary will be laid to rest at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery at 12:30pm the same day.

In honor of Rosemary's love of hoodie sweatshirts, the family encourages friends to wear a hoodie or other casual attire to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Rosemary’s honor to the Colorado History Museum or the animal organization of your choice.