Rosemary Laing

Rosemary Laing

Washington

Rosemary Laing went to meet her Lord on November 10, 2022.

She was born July 24, 1929, in Persia, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Rose (Cave) Martens. After her high school graduation, Rosemary taught ballroom dancing for the Arthur Murray Dance Studio of Omaha. She married James Laing in March of 1950.

The couple moved to Chicago so James could attend the Art Institute, and Rosemary taught ballroom dancing at the Arthur Murray Chicago Studio. She also worked at a bakery where she acquired her famous cheesecake recipe. In 1959, James and Rosemary moved to Washington, Iowa, where James was the Art Director of the McCleery Cumming Calendar Co. Together they had three children, Laurie, Wendy and Jeff.

Rosemary loved music and expanded her ballroom dancing to teaching lessons at the “Y” in Washington. She was a devoted wife and mother, raising her children as a close friend and confidant. She was an amazing seamstress and decorator. Rosemary saw beauty in everything and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for friends and family alike. She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

She is survived by her children: Laurie (Wayne) Schooley of Bloomfield, IA; Wendy (Edward) Adam of Washington, IA; Jeff (Susan) Laing of Mexico; four grandchildren: Holly Milford of Independence, MO; Luke (Fawn) Schooley of Bloomfield, IA; Hayley (Derick) Blackmon of Mesa, AZ; Myriah (David) Bonsall of Phoenix, AZ; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Yvonne Severyn and Amy West; and one brother, Jim Martens.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James in 1990; grandson, John Schooley; and sister, Betty Jane Christiansen.

Private family services will be held at a later date. The Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials have been established for Halcyon House and Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for Rosemary’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.