Rosemary Wilson, 97, of Hutchinson, passed away peacefully June 5, 2025, at Hospice House, surrounded by her family. She was born November 28, 1927, in Oxford, Kansas, the second of 8 children to John C. and Bessie (Fisher) Cyphert. The family moved to Geneseo, where Rosemary was raised and graduated from Geneseo High School. After graduation, she moved to Hutchinson and enrolled in business school. While pursuing her studies, Rosemary met and married her husband, Merle E. Wilson, on a double date with her sister and Merle’s brother.
Merle and Rosemary settled in Hutchinson and raised 5 children. Rosemary took pride in being an excellent cook and devoted mother. Sunday dinners always included homemade meals, pies and desserts, and a houseful of family.
A woman of devotion and strong Catholic faith, Rosemary was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Altar Society. She was active in her community, volunteering for numerous organizations, whether it was overseeing local polling places or singing with the Sweet Adelines.
Rosemary worked several years at 1st National Bank, both in the loan department and for the bank president.
When her husband passed in 1981, Rosemary moved to Wichita and worked at Beech Aircraft before retiring. She loved music, singing and dancing, enjoyed attending dances in Wichita and meeting new friends.
Rosemary is survived by: her daughters, Janette Chipas (Tony) of Summerville, SC, Teresa Diane Wells (Gary) of Sarasota, FL, Cathy Smith of Hutchinson, Lisa Wilson of Centennial, CO; sister Frances Day (Max) of Washington, DC; nine grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Merle; son, David "Dave" Wilson; son-in-law, Ron Smith; and siblings, Helen, John, Bob, Anna Lee, Tom and Margaret.
Cremation has taken place. Parish Rosary will be 10 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday June 11, 2025, at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., Hutchinson. Inurnment will follow at 2 p.m. in Geneseo Cemetery.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Church of the Holy Cross, or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.