Rosemary Lewis King

Rosemary King, nee Lewis, 62, entered peacefully into eternal life on Aug. 24, 2011, with her husband of 43 years, Larry King, at her side. Rosemary a courageous spirit, lost her 2 1/2 year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease also known as ALS.

Rosemary led life to the fullest. She had a deep love for her family and carries a legacy that will not be forgotten. Rosemary's pride and joy were the blessings of five grandchildren. She enjoyed telling them stories, teaching them life lessons and hearing their laughter. Rosemary loved family gatherings, holidays and shopping. Rosemary was born on Aug. 13, 1949, in Clarksville, Tenn. Early in her life, Rosemary ran a successful business as a hair dresser in Bluford, Ill. After many years, she and her family relocated back to Caseyville, Ill., where she launched a new career as a realtor. Rosemary received recognition by her peers and clients for outstanding service and sales performances. During her career she earned a place in the Prestigious 100% Club with Re/Max International, a Centurion Award for Century 21 and was consistently in the 5 Million Dollar Club with the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors, a life time member of the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors President Club, reaching the platinum, bronze, silver and gold levels and ranked in the Top 25 for Quality Service in the St. Louis Business Journal. Her success was based on her motto "to always do right by people, and good things will come back to you." Rose lived her life by those words.

Rose will be deeply missed, we know the legs she could no longer use here on Earth are now gracefully walking with our Heavenly Father and she is dancing with our Lord Savior, Jesus Christ! And her arms that were once weak are now embracing our loved ones who have gone before her.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her infant son, Gary Joseph; mother, Ruth Petriat; father, Joseph D. Lewis; father-in-law, Luther King; sister-in-law, Barb Dodson; brothers-in-law, William Richard Halwachs and Dr. Edward Blubaugh; and nephew, Myles Mitchell.

Surviving are her husband, Larry F. King of Caseyville, Ill.; son, Larry R. (Madonna) King of Springfield, Ill.; daughter, Julie, nee King, Walker of Troy, Ill.; grandchildren, Madeline Rose Walker, Ronald Walker Jr., and Natalie Walker of Troy, Ill., and Troy King and Jamie King of Springfield, Ill.; sisters, Nancy Blubaugh of San Jose, Calif., Patricia Denney of Caseyville, Ill., Susan Halwachs and Pamela (Dennis) Barker, both of Collinsville, Ill.; mother-in-law, Lucille King, sisters-in-law, Karen (Charlie) Seib, Linda (Rick) Zoll, Danny (Cathy) King; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Also surviving Rosemary are Nicholas Harris, son of lifelong friend, Amy Oberkfell, whom Rose considered like a grandson.

Rosemary was diagnosed with ALS in March 2009. During her battle she remained courageous and continued to fight this debilitating disease with poise and dignity. She was passionate in her educating herself and family about this disease. Rosemary was a supporter of The ALS Association-St. Louis Chapter and was hopeful for a cure. The ALS Association provides support, care and medical equipment to patients suffering with this disease. They continue to strive to find a cure.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the ALS Association-St. Louis Chapter in memory of Rosemary King. The family would like to express their appreciation for all the prayers, care and support received during her fight against ALS. Condolences may be expressed at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 29, 2011, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill., with the Rev. Eddie Witt officiating. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.