Rosemary (Holbrook) Hollaway

Rosemary (Holbrook) Hollaway, 89, of Augusta, Michigan died peacefully on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. 

Rosemary was born February 26, 1935, in Peters Creek, Illinois, the daughter of Wiley Trisler Holbrook and Juanita (Conn) Holbrook. She grew up in Peters Creek and Cave-In-Rock, Illinois and Galesburg, Michigan and graduated from Galesburg High School. 

 When her high school sweetheart, Gerald Paige “Red” Hollaway honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, she followed him overseas. Rosemary Holbrook and Red Hollaway were united in marriage at the home of her parents in Galesburg, Michigan on March 23, 1952. Sadly, she was preceded in death by her husband, Red on January 16, 2024. Surviving are their two sons, Alan (Christine) Hollaway of Galesburg, MI, Dennis (Sharon) Hollaway of Augusta, two grandsons, Matthew (Heather Ingram) Hollaway, Daniel Hollaway; nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. In addition to her husband Red, Rosemary was preceded in death by an infant son (twin of Dennis) Steven Hollaway; a son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Cathy Hollaway this past year; her parents, Wiley and Juanita Holbrook; a sister, Cleta Horne and two brothers, David Holbrook and Wayne Holbrook. 

 Rosemary worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Fort Custer State Home. She was also employed briefly for other businesses but dedicated her life to raising her family and being there for them. Their door was open for kids, neighbors, family and friends. Rosemary was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and making quilts. One of her quilts was displayed at the Augusta Museum. She also enjoyed cooking and baking and would occasionally bake a theme cake for birthdays and special occasions. She grew up on a farm and loved horses and knew how to handle them. Rosemary was adept at target practice and pop cans stood no chance when she took aim. She also enjoyed her cats and flower gardening. Rosemary will be remembered for her gentle way, her dedication and love of family. 

Friends will be received 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, 307 N. Webster St., Augusta, MI 49012, where a service to celebrate Rosemary’s life will be officiated by Pastor Steve Olmstead at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Committal and interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Augusta-Ross Township Fire Fighters Association, 12086 M-89, Richland, MI 49083. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.