Rosemary Allen

Rosemary Allen, of Eaton Rapids, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 23, 2021 at the age of 82. Rosemary was born in Eaton Rapids, February 23, 1939, to Walter and Ruth (Halsey) Kikendall. She met Dick, the love of her life, and they were married on February 20, 1960. Rosemary was very artistic, creating beautiful art of many medias as well as belonging to the Eaton County Art League. The family would like to mention her friends in the Art League, Jill, Jean, Norma and Judy. The times they all spent together were an important part of her life. Rosemary was very proud of her art exhibit at Olivet College. She won five blue ribbons and two red ribbons at the Eaton County Fair in 2021. She earned her black belt in karate and was also an instructor. Rosemary was a belly dancer, enjoyed ball room dancing and wintering in Texas. She was a cake decorator for 4-H and Cub Scout leader and was the jewelry queen of JTV. Rosemary had a special place in her heart for her entire family and they will miss her greatly. A special thank you to her cousin, Linda Curtis for comforting her at the end of her life.
Rosemary is survived by her children, Laura (Ross) Venable of Eaton Rapids, Mark (Traci) Allen of Bellevue, Sheila Thacker-Allen of Eaton Rapids; grandchildren, Alicia (Dennis) Clarke, Curt (Kristin) Garnsay II, Wyatt (Taylor Cupp) Allen and Blake Allen; great-grandchildren, Alivia and Kody Clarke, Lillianna Garnsay, and baby Allen, (Rosemary was the only one that knew the gender); brothers, Terry (Penny) Kikendall and Robert Kikendall; numerous cousins; her yorkie dog, Poppy; best friends of 50 years, Amy Garnsay and Ann King. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard in 2015.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County Art League. Please visit their website to share online condolences with the family, millsfuneral.com.