Rosemary Jane (Kelly) Hetric

EAST PALESTINE - On Thursday, September 16, our mother, Rosemary Jane Kelly Hetric, 78, was reunited with our father, Donald Alan, in Heaven.

Her story began on June 19, 1943. Rosemary, born in Darlington, PA, was the youngest of four children to the late Ethel and Thomas Kelly. She graduated from the East Palestine High School in 1962 where she made many lifelong friends.

She met our father at Barber’s Restaurant where he was a dishwasher, and she was a waitress. Soon after, they tied the knot inMay 29, 1965. They eventually started their own family with their first-born Donald (Lisa) Hetric of East Palestine, then along came daughters, Holly (Randy) Jayne of Columbiana and Endia (Trent) Wisser of Tarpon Springs, FL. Later in life our parents welcomed Ray “Lippy” Kleean as one of their own children as well.

Our fondest memories of our mother often began at the kitchen table within the home they built together. Whether it was playing 500 Rummy, chatting with friends, crocheting gifts, making cookies, or just watching the wildlife in the back yard, the kitchen table is where we all gathered.

However, the memories went beyond the kitchen table. The days were filled with trips to Idora Park, Lake Tomahawk, and the Flying Finn Campground. She loved to help build forts in the woods, construct igloos after a heavy snow, and tending to our mini farm – we won’t mention the potbelly pig that lived in the kitchen. Additionally, she raised countless birds, and loved her puppies.

She leaves behind six grandchildren, Michael and Aaron Hetric, Brandon and Alexis Jayne, and Carter and Parker Wisser. Rosemary, “Nanny” to her grandchildren, spoiled them with love and generosity. She planned and hosted the best Easter egg coloring events, endured many board game sessions, and gave countless golfcart rides.

Beyond being the best memory maker, our mother was a gifted artist, a great friend to many, a phenomenal cook (butter), loved her lawn mower and planting posies.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Alan Hetric, a brother, Thomas Kelly, sisters, Joyce Lietzke and Thelma Keeton.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 21 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home located at 11500 Market St, North Lima, OH 44452. Due to our current health situation the family is asking everyone in attendance to follow the current CDC suggested guidelines.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22 at 11:00am.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

And remember, we love you mama! Be careful crossing Market St. and we will flash the lights for you.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rosemary Jane (Kelly) Hetric, please visit our floral store.