Rosalea "Rosie" Kay Kenworthy

Rosalea “Rosie” Kay (Farris) Kenworthy, 76, was born on January 2, 1950, in Hobbs, New Mexico and went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2026. She was the daughter of Burl Litton and Kathleen (Rioth) Farris. On October 19, 1974, she was united in marriage to Merrell Kenworthy at Faith United Methodist Church. Rosie and Merrell were members of Faith Presbyterian Church and more recently First Friends Meeting.

Rosalea graduated from Kokomo High School in 1968. Rosie got a B.A. degree in art from Indiana Central College in 1972 and started teaching art classes at Taylor Jr. High. Rosie got an M.A. in art at Indiana Central University, now The University of Indianapolis, in 1977. She was a stay-at-home mom for several years. She then worked at Microchips Day Care Center, Bona Vista Day Care, and City of Kokomo Day Care.

After retiring from teaching, she spent most of her spare time scrapbooking and making greeting cards. Her cards were handmade and individualized for each recipient. She also gave hundreds of cards to her friends and family to send to their friends and family. She considered card making as her personal ministry to the community. Her cards were appreciated by everyone who got one. Rosie taught Sunday School classes for years at both Faith Presbyterian and First Friends. She developed craft projects for Vacation Bible School at both churches as well as with the Girl Scouts. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Merrell; brother, Edward M. (Marti) Farris; children, David Kenworthy, Melody Waggoner, Michelle (Jeremy) Kennedy, and Jonathan (Gina) Mangruem-Kenworthy; grandchildren, William Kenworthy, Alexander Kenworthy, Aren (Andrew) Waggoner, Vivian Waggoner, Amelie Waggoner, Aiden Kennedy, Conner Kennedy, Braxon (Breanna) Kennedy, and Katilin Kennedy; and step-grandchild, Journey Hile.

Rosie was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Kathleen Farris.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Paradigm Health for their support.

A funeral service celebrating Rosie’s life will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd, Kokomo, with Pastor Michael Carson officiating. Burial in Albright Cemetery will be at 10 am, Monday, February 16, 2026. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 pm until the time of the service Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Rosie requested that donations be made to First Friends. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.
 

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