Rosa Leah Nussbaumer

Rosa Leah Nussbaumer, age 83, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully Friday, January 19, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Jane and Anthony Messina; brother, James Messina; sister, Mary Jane Hundhausen.

She is survived by her children, William Nussbaumer (Rose), Phillip Nussbaumer (Donna), Steven Nussbaumer (Margie); and close friend of the family, Scott Branson (Suzanne). She was also blessed with four grandchildren; Alexandra Gardner (Trevor), Tyler Nussbaumer, Virginia Nussbaumer, and Stevenie Nussbaumer. Rosa was a long-time St. John’s Lutheran Church member with a strong Christian faith and a love of sharing the gospel. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and became an entrepreneur in 1971 when she started Rosa’s Catering Service. Rosa was a classically trained chef and built a life around her love of food and service. Party guests and friends across the region will remember the wonderful food and events she hosted throughout her career. Rosa devoted her life to helping and assisting others with grace and humility, always willing to feed, love, and serve. It was her true calling. Rosa was passionate about cooking and often opened her home to strangers through cooking classes. She especially enjoyed spending time playing bridge with her friends.

Rosa will always be remembered for her ability to connect with those from all walks of life. She never knew a stranger and was always willing to help those in need. She made everyone feel like they were a part of the family and devoted her life to her three children. “… Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home, 2300 Adair Drive. The funeral will be 12 noon with Pastor Amy Figg Ley officiating. The interment will follow in Lynnhurst Cemetery. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Nussbaumer family.