Rosemary M. Stoker

Rosemary M. Stoker, 88, of Grant, Neb., passed away on Dec. 26, 2022, at Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke, Colo.

Rosemary was born March 12, 1934, at McCook, Neb., to Cecil R and LaVeda (Hill) Hayden. She graduated from Alda High School with a class of 1944 and subsequently earned her teaching certificate at Kearney State College.

Rosemary married James McChesney, and their union was blessed with two children, Jim and Mary Melody. She taught school in and around the Ogallala, Neb., area for nearly 30 years.

Rosemary eventually moved to Utah, where she met Jack Stoker. The two were ultimately married and split their time between Utah and Nebraska. They always enjoyed spending time with their families.

Rosemary loved flowers and kept beautiful flower gardens over the years. She also had a flair for painting. Rosemary was known to spoil her grandchildren and did so with food; dessert was always served first at grandma’s house. She was also known to drop off the occasional pet for her grandchildren, from goats and pigs to dogs. Rosemary was undeniably spirited and will be remembered with smiles by her family for many years to come.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; sisters, Gloria, Sandy, and Jackie.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Daniella) McChesney of Ogallala, Melody (John) Deaver Jr. of Grant; five grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Dick (Val) Hayden of Omaha; Jack’s family, Val J. (Susan) Stoker, Jeff (Wendy) Stoker; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Rosemary’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.

Visitation will be on Friday from 2-6 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.