Rosemary Stairs

Rosemary Stairs (81) passed away peacefully, encircled by family on February 5, 2021 at Life Care Center in Casper, Wyoming. She was born in Douglas, Wyoming, December 17, 1939 to Lester W. and Rose Johnson.  She grew up on the Morton Ranch, just outside of Douglas, where her father worked as a ranch hand and mechanic.  In her early years, the ranch was very isolated, and the family made it to town once a week with a stop at the library.  She developed a love of reading and doing crafts.  She started elementary school at a two-room school in Orpha.  After three years there, she continued school in Douglas graduating from Converse County High School in 1958. She always enjoyed going to her class reunions.

After high school, Rosemary left the rural life to go to Park Business College in Denver, Colorado.  While there she met Ronald Clapp; they married, had two children, Regina and Rodney. Their marriage ended shortly after relocating to Evansville where she continued to raise her children in the home in which she would spend the rest of her life.  Being a single mom in the 60’s was extremely challenging, but she always managed to keep the roof over their heads with her resourcefulness including home cooked meals and sewing most of her own clothes.  She was a great mom and always had love and support from her parents and younger brother, Lester W. Johnson, Jr.

Rosemary met the love of her life, Richard L. Stairs (Dick), they married in 1969.  However, their family was not complete until their son Richard D. Stairs was born.  Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, responsibility, and respect.  Her children fondly remember time spent together camping, fishing, traveling, playing cards and games, and eating great food. Rosemary was an example to her children of gentleness, kindness, patience, humility, and contentment.

Using her education from Park Business College, Rosemary worked many years in the insurance industry, including several years as an insurance agent and bookkeeper for Lange’s Western Agency. She also had artistic and creative talents that were evident in her many beautiful creations in watercolors, crochet, quilting, sewing, embroidery and ceramics.  Her family has received many cherished and beautiful gifts through the years made with her loving hands.  She also crocheted afghans for Hospice patients.  When her mother became elderly, Rosemary took care of her needs. She loved nature and growing flowers in her yard. She enjoyed the beauty of nature wherever she and Dick would roam.

Her four grandchildren were a source of great joy in her life.  Rosemary and Dick were their most enthusiastic cheerleaders. They went to every event they could, including every grandchild’s graduation. Being grandparents was the highlight of their lives. The grandchildren remember special times together playing games, crafting, camping, picnics, going to other fun events and of course Grandma’s great food!  She loved sharing her baked goods.

After retirement Dick and Rosemary became snowbirds wintering at Black Rock RV Village in Arizona.  They were now closer to their son, Rodney.  He enjoyed the special times they shared in the 14 years they wintered there.  They made many wonderful friends from throughout the United States and Canada and had many fun adventures.  Traveling was also a great fun, going to South Carolina, Washington D.C., Maryland, and numerous road trips to places near and far with Dick driving and Rosemary navigating. They enjoyed finding great deals at garage sales when at home or traveling where Rosemary would find yarn and cloth for her next project or that novel from her favorite author that her collection was missing.

Rosemary and Dick were married and in love for 51 years.  They were a perfect couple and an example of love to all.  Rosemary was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease in her later years.  Having to move to a nursing home, she and Dick would see each other twice daily.  They were fondly known as the Lovebirds of Life Care.  The wonderful staff there were Mom’s angels.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her loving husband, parents, and brother. She is survived by her children Regina Pacheco, Rodney Clapp, Richard D. and wife Nina Stairs, grandchildren Emily and Dr. Ethan Karp, Matthew Stairs, Sean Pacheco and Logan Stairs, sister-in-law Charlene Sanford, Aunt Dorothy Goddard and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She attended Highland Park Community Church.  A memorial service for Rosemary and Richard Stairs will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home, 600 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82601.