Rosemary Ford Ogzewalla

Rosemary Ford Ogzewalla, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away at her home in Liberty Lake, Washington, on March 30, 2026, at the age of 97. Now free from the restraints of this life, we find comfort in knowing she is joyfully reunited with her beloved sweetheart, Weston, who preceded her in death.

A bright and talented girl, Rosemary was born on June 22, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Rosalia Badger and Hugh John Ford. She grew up in a happy and loving home as the oldest of eight children. She is survived by five siblings: John, Hilda Burnham, Margaret Wilson, Rodney, and Blaine, all of Utah.

Her family lived in Centerville, Utah, a close-knit farming community surrounded by extended family. Rosemary considered having family nearby a special blessing in her life. Growing up on a farm meant helping with chores such as tending chickens and picking fruit. She was often tasked with caring for her younger siblings. She never viewed this as a burden and welcomed each new baby with joy.

Rosemary’s mother, lovingly known as “Grammy,” ran a beauty parlor from their home. When the customers were relatives or close friends, Grammy would allow Rosemary to do a “comb-out,” a task she thoroughly enjoyed. She also loved poetry and learned to sew at an early age.

She attended local schools and became an exceptional student. Rosemary had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. Even during the gas rationing of World War II, they made it a priority to find enough gas to attend school games.

In high school, one boy especially caught her eye: a handsome and athletic young man named Weston Ogzewalla. They began dating, and after graduation, Weston joined the Navy while Rosemary attended BYU. After a year of college, she decided it would be fun to work and have a little spending money—especially since her father did not believe in college for girls! This led to her work at the Naval Supply Depot.

When Weston returned from the Navy, they were married on June 8, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple. They moved to Provo, Utah, where Weston completed his education at BYU. Eventually, they planted roots in Spokane, Washington, where they raised their children and built a beautiful life together.

Rosemary and Weston were blessed with four daughters: Marci Lebo (deceased), Jane (Ken) Myers, Roselyn (Cliff) Reed, and Susan (Craig) Moore. Rosemary devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children, grandchildren, and, later, great-grandchildren, taking every opportunity to love, support, and celebrate them. She is survived by 3 daughters, 22 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren (one deceased), and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Eleven of her descendants are honored to bear her name, Rose.

Rosemary began a lifetime of devoted service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at an early age. Soon after graduating from Primary, she became a Blazer teacher. Throughout her life, she faithfully served in many church callings, including many years as a temple worker. She and Weston also served two temple missions—one in the Atlanta Georgia Temple and one in the Orlando Florida Temple. She later served as a temple matron while Weston was a counselor in the Spokane Temple presidency, and she faithfully assisted him during his years as a stake patriarch. She had a strong testimony of the gospel and served with all her heart.

Rosemary was lovingly known for the delicious meals she prepared, especially her BBQ beef sandwiches. She adored babies and had a special gift for comforting even the fussiest little ones. She had a remarkable memory and could tell stories with vivid detail. She found her greatest joy in helping others and often said, “If you are ever lonely or sad, find someone to serve.”

She was deeply loved by her family and by all who knew her. As we mourn her passing, we are comforted by the joyful reunions in heaven that surely welcomed her home.