Rosemarie (Rose) Howard age 95 of Newton Falls passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at the Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley Hospice House in Poland. She was born on Dec. 27, 1930 in Warren, OH the daughter of the late Ulrich Church and Lydia Burkholder. Rose married the love of her life, William Franklin

Howard on April 9, 1949, and they enjoyed 66 years of wonderful marriage together until his death on June 2, 2015. Rose worked as a school bus driver for Newton Falls Exempted Village Schools for 15 years from September 1973 to April 1988 and was a long-time member of the Newton Falls First Church of God. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Timothy Howard; her brother, Walter Church; and her sister, Margaret Mangrum.

Rose was a talented cook and baker who showed her love through her food. A strong competitor, she enjoyed playing cards, dominoes and bowling with friends and family and never missed an opportunity to go shopping. She had a passion for nature and loved spending time gardening, fishing and walking through the woods, which inspired her to write many poems and songs. Rose especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. A gifted storyteller, she had a sharp memory and could recount many nursery rhymes and fairytales in stark detail. Her vivacity, good humor, strong spirit, and delicious pies will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Rose is survived by her 3 sons, Ronald & Dee Howard of Newton Falls; Eddy & Patty Howard of New Port Richey, FL; Mark & Ivonne Howard of Tarpon Springs, FL; 1 daughter in law, Cathy Howard of Lordstown; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at the Newton Falls First Church of God on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jennifer Dorn & Rev. Eddy Howard officiating. Calling hours will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Newton Falls Cemetery. The family has requested that all donations please be made to the First Church of God, 426 West Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444 in her memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view her obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com