Rosemary (Leary) Williams

Rosemary Williams, age 89, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away at 9:10 p.m. on February 8,2025 at her residence at Legacy Estates of Monmouth. Rosemary was born June 6, 1935 in Aledo, the daughter of William Joseph and Lois Mary (Earp) Leary. She was reared and educated in rural Aledo graduating from Aledo High School in 1953. She married Harold Eugene Williams then later divorced. she then spent 45 years with her soul mate, William Whiteside, Jr of Roseville who preceded her in death on August 15, 2023. Rosemary worked as a waitress in her early adulthood. She then worked at Spurgeon's Department Store in Monmouth for 10 years followed by Farm King Supply in Monmouth for 31 years becoming Assistant Manager and retiring in 2004. Rosemary had a love for her life on the farm and especially for growing flowers and watching the hummingbirds. She was well known for being a great cook and baker. You would never leave hungry after a meal that she had prepared. For many years she fed the deer-hunting crew during shotgun season. She also loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as much as possible. she was lovingly named Grandma Tootsie Roll by her oldest great-granddaughter as she always had tootsie rolls in the candy bowl. Rosemary is survived by daughter Nancy Berglund of Monmouth, son Ron (Nancy) Williams of Logansport, Indiana, daughter-in-law Elaine Williams of Benbrook, Texas, stepsons Kyle (Alisa Hammond) Whiteside of Roseville and Eric Whiteside of Galesburg. She is also survived by grandchildren Jessica Williams of Flora, Indiana, Rob (Lauren) Williams of Logansport, Indiana, Andrea Williams of Grapevine, Texas, Michelle (Ryan) Nelson of Cameron and step grandchildren Cody (Rachel) Whiteside, Mackenzie (Austin) Schleich all of Monmouth and Alyssa, McKenna, and Baleigh Whiteside, all of Galesburg. Great-grandchildren surviving are Mayla, Ava, & Jude Williams of Logansport, Indiana, Aiden and Hoyt Nelson of Cameron and step great-grandchildren Ashton and Cooper Hackman of Logansport, Indiana and Kason Schleich of Monmouth. Rosemary is also survived by her sister Alice Barnett of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, brother Chuck Leary of Little York and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, son Richard Williams, sister Elaine Hays and brother Joe Leary.

A funeral service is planned on Friday February 14th, at 11 a.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Il. Interment will be at Salem Cemetery west of Roseville, Il. Her family plans a visitation and will receive friends at Turnbull Funeral Home from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral service. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. To leave your remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.