Rosemary Anderson

Rosemary Carol Anderson July 13, 1939 – May 18, 2026

Rosemary Carol Anderson passed away peacefully at her home in Clinton, Michigan, on May 18, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on July 13, 1939, Rosemary spent her early years on the Stuart family farm in Milan, Michigan. Those formative years shaped her lifelong love of family, hard work, gardening, and community. She took great pride in raising her family while helping on the farm and later became a familiar and beloved presence throughout the Milan community.

For more than 20 years, Rosemary worked as a school bus driver for Milan Area Schools. She cared deeply for the children on her routes and often considered them her “extended kids.” Known for her warm personality and caring spirit, she was one of the first drivers to install an 8-track tape player on her bus so students could enjoy music during their rides. She also served as a state tester for future bus drivers and proudly represented the area in school bus rodeos, showcasing her skill and knowledge.

After retirement, Rosemary and her husband, Frank Anderson, moved to Butler, Tennessee, where they embraced the beauty and peace of mountain life. There, she continued dedicating herself to serving others and became deeply involved in her church and community.

She worked part-time in a clerical role for Dr. Tarr’s office and was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Mountain City, Tennessee. Rosemary volunteered faithfully in numerous ministries and organizations, including the St. Anthony Bread Ministry, where she helped pack food bags weekly for those in need. She was also among the founders of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Mountain City.

Her dedication to children and the arts continued throughout her life. Rosemary assisted with Johnson County Young Artists productions, taught religious education classes, volunteered as a face painter for the Johnson County Imagination Carnival for many years, and served in the Ladies Guild at St. Anthony of Padua. She also directed the Catholic prison ministry at NECC in Mountain City and volunteered as a painter and craft artist at Doe Elementary School for more than 30 years.

Rosemary had many gifts and passions. She loved canning, crocheting baby blankets for family and friends, and making her infamous homemade pizzas that brought loved ones together around the table. Her artistic talents shined through in her drawings and paintings, many of which were displayed and enjoyed in local businesses.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Roger (Mary) Stuart, Kenneth Stuart, Lorraine (Charles) Burnette, Arthur (Leslie) Stuart, Daniel Stuart, James (Mary) Anderson, John Anderson, Jill (Lee) Cooper, and Joel (Kathy) Anderson; her brother Arthur Amos; sisters Iris Owens and Sharlana Tomlinson; sister-in-law Diane Anderson; as well as 23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Anderson; her parents, Ernest Vendrely and Elizabeth Mary Hogue-Rogers; her brother Roger Amos; stepdaughter Julie Anderson; special uncle Leon Anderson; and her dearest friend, Carol Hundley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Milan American Legion. A light meal will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations or Mass offerings may be made to:

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church 833 W. Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683

and/or

Immaculate Conception Parish 420 North Street Milan, MI

Rosemary will be remembered for her servant’s heart, artistic spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she shared so freely with family, friends, students, and her community.

As requested by the family, this obituary is a courtesy of Mountain City Funeral Home.