Rose Marie Routsong

Rose Marie Routsong passed away on October 1st, 2020; however, her spirit will live on in the laughter, tears and memories of all that all that knew her. Her family will miss her but will also take comfort in knowing that she is now rejoicing with her heavenly Father and the many loved ones who preceded her.

Rose (or Rosie as her friends called her) seldom met a stranger and loved to be around people. A simple person with simple interests, she will be remembered for her laughter, her warm spirit and her desire to be kind to everyone she met.

Rose was born in Dayton, Ohio and lived in Dayton for 36 years until she moved with her husband Jack and their children to Bradenton, Florida in 1977. It was shortly afterwards that she went to work at L3 communications in Sarasota. She stayed at this job for nearly 40 years. In addition to her full time job at L3, Rose worked part-time at Publix. Ostensibly, Rose worked at Publix as a "hobby." However, Rose's work ethic and desire to “save for a cruise or a trip” or “something nice for the family” secretly drove her desire to work at her "hobby." Rose also enjoyed helping her husband Jack at numerous arts and crafts shows where they sold "name trains." Be it L3, Publix or arts and crafts shows, Rose simply enjoyed talking with people and staying active.

Rose recently retired from L3 and Publix. Given the passing of her daughter Suzanne to cancer, Rose put off traveling and decided with her husband to sell their home and move permanently to Georgia to spend time with her son and his wonderful family. Rose was able to spend several months with her family in Georgia and made plans to enjoy their new "farm." Rose also was making plans to do some traveling and explore new hobbies. Sadly, these plans were never fully realized in that Rose's health deteriorated beginning in early 2020. Rose struggled with her illnesses and fought to recover. With much courage and grace, Rose began to realize that she simply could not prevail. On October 1st, 2020, Rose succumbed to a multitude of illnesses.

Rose is survived by her husband, Jack Routsong, and her son, Scott Routsong. Rose has two surviving brothers, Dave and James Disher, whom she cared for very deeply.
Rose’s extended family includes her lovely daughter-in-law, Kerri Routsong as well as her son-in-law, Michael Goffinet. Furthermore, Rose’s grandchildren, Jaxson Routsong, Zachary Routsong, Joseph and Ashley Young, were always a source of pride to her. Finally, Rose also had an “adopted son,” noted Sarasota attorney, Jack Kracht. Rose was very proud of all of her family and would encourage them to realize their dreams and live up to their potential. She would tell them that she will always be with them in spirit and “would always watch out for them.”

Rose would not want to be mourned with tears and sorrow. Rather, she would want all that knew her to rejoice in the time they spent together. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Rose’s memory to Cardinal Mooney High School. In addition, Rose would encourage you to take your loved one out to a movie, buy popcorn and rejoice in the gift that is life. This would make her smile. “Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream. And dream how wonderful your life will be. Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby, then in your heart there will always be a part of me. Someday we'll all be gone, but lullabies go on and on. They never die. That’s how you and I will be”