Rosemary Katherine Southwell age 91 of Midland, Texas, formerly of Pana, Illinois passed away peacefully on October 13, 2015. Rosemary was born on April 10, 1924 in Des Plaines Illinois to Anthony and Sarah Lurina Helgens Kirsch. She grew up in Fort Dodge Iowa and graduated high school there. Rosemary married Leonard John Southwell on June 9, 1951 in Fort Dodge Iowa. He preceded her in death on August 18, 2006.She was also preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, and her brother, Arthur Kirsch. Rosemary moved from Pana to Midland, Texas to be close to youngest son, John Southwell in 2008 following the death of her husband of 55 years.The Southwell's made their home in Pana Illinois. Rosemary was a homemaker in Pana for 57 years and was truly a person of the arts. She was a wonderful wife and mother. She was a homemaker in the very best sense of the word. She worked hard every day keeping house, making clothes, cooking delicious meals, and participating in her children's activities. In her early days as a mother of three she often made clothing for the children and herself on her Singer sewing machine. Rosemary was an exquisite cook and often hosted beautiful dinner parties for many Pana residents. Her table settings always reflected her creativity and her food presentation were always admired by her guests. Rosemary and Leonard had a condominium in Scottsdale Arizona where they often retreated in winter.She encouraged and supported her three children in every way. She entertained guests with ease and style. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh, loved animals, and was loved by all who knew her.Rosemary was an artist. She was talented and very creative. Her work included oil paintings and china painting. She created lovely delicate pieces of jewelry. Her fine work was admired and loved by many. Rosemary was a member of the National China Painters Organization. She received awards and recognition for her work.Rosemary was a member of the First United Methodist church in Pana, Illinois where she was a member of the chancel choir for over 50 years. She loved singing and she had a beautiful voice. She had many fond memories of her choir days and her choir friends. She spoke of them often.She is survived by three children Christine Schaefer (husband Michael) of Pekin, Illinois, George Southwell (wife Linda) of Denver Colorado, and John Southwell (partner Robert Elliott) of Midland Texas. Four grandsons, Leonard Southwell (deceased) Andrew L. Southwell (wife Danielle) of Denver, Colorado, Ross Schaefer of Chicago, Illinois, and Joseph A. Schaefer (wife Carolina) of Miami Beach Florida. Three great grandchildren in Denver Colorado, George P. Southwell, Harry Graham Southwell and, Helen Southwell, and one great grandchild in Miami Beach Florida, Jack Michael Schaefer as well as several nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Midland, 911 Texas, Ave., Midland, Texas 79701, or the ASPCA. To donate online, you may click the Memorial tab below.A memorial service honoring and celebrating Rosemary's life will be scheduled at a later time.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland and McCracken-Dean Funeral Home of Pana. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com or mccrackendeanfuneralHome.com.,
