Rosemarie Adkins

Rosemarie Adkins, age 82, of Kettering, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Born on May 14, 1942, to the late Nicholas and Elizabeth Belna, Rose enjoyed a happy childhood growing up on a farm in the small town of Rockford, Ohio where she learned the values and developed the character that would distinguish her throughout life. She graduated from Parkway High School at the top of her class and went on to follow her calling to care for others, receiving her nurse’s training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton. Rose began her nursing career in the OBGYN practice of Dr’s. Hayes and Sartorius.

Rose met her lifelong partner, J. Brooks Adkins, Jr. of Oakwood, later marrying at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Rockford in 1968. Rose and Brooks built a life together centered on family and faith, moving to Kettering in 1978 and joining St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

They were blessed with two children, Jason and Brian, who were her pride and joy. As a young mother, Rose stepped away from nursing for many years, dedicating her time to supporting Brooks in his career and raising their family. 

As the boys grew older, Rose went back to school, earning her bachelor’s degree from Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. She was blessed with a tremendous intellect and a capacity to patiently organize and problem solve. Rose put those gifts to good use, managing the business records for JBA Advertising, Brooks’ company, while she returned to her full-time nursing career. Rose spent two decades caring for the residents at Mercy Sienna Woods Care Center in Dayton until her retirement. 

Over the years, Rose grew to be an avid sports fan with her sons and enjoyed following her favorite players, coaches, and teams. Additionally, she always had a creative spirit, finding joy in drawing and painting and teaching herself to play the piano later in life. 

After retirement, Rose was able to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her sons, personifying selflessness and compassion as she supported their families in all their endeavors. She was immensely proud of her six grandchildren and was their biggest supporter, enjoying every game, recital, and activity that she could. She followed them virtually in her final years as her caregiving responsibilities shifted back to Brooks, for whom she provided full care as he suffered with Parkinson’s and dementia. Rose embodied resilience and was known for her patience, empathy, compassion, ability to listen, and a resolute toughness and optimism that defined her until her passing. 

Rosemarie Adkins leaves behind her family and friends to whom she was utterly devoted, including her beloved husband of fifty-six years, J. Brooks Adkins, Jr.; two sons, Jason (Tracy) Adkins of West Chester, and Brian (Beth) Adkins of Cincinnati; brother, Nick (Janice) Belna of Rockford, OH; sister, Theresa (John) Hawn of Tipp City; nieces Christie Belna of Columbus , and Jennifer Belna of Chicago; six grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, and Emma Grace Adkins of West Chester, and Ben, Joe, and Dan Adkins of Cincinnati; and cherished friend of over 64 years, Susan (Ted) Sollmann of Butler Township. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 2, at St. Charles Borromeo (4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering). Rose’s family will welcome friends and guests at 10:15am prior to mass at 11:00am. If unable to attend in person, please join us in prayer and participate virtually at www.stcharles-kettering.org. A funeral procession will immediately follow, with burial and Rite of Committal at Calvary Cemetery (1625 Calvary Ave., Dayton).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, in honor of Rose and Brooks’ service to that organization and their compassion for the families it serves.