Bob and Rosemary have impacted the lives of everyone around them and we wish to follow in their footsteps. On this page you will find quotes that people have said about them. These are letters or parts of letters written to them on their 60th Anniversary in 2001.
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Acts of love and kindness come to each of you without a second thought. I do not have enough space to write down all the support and wonderful memories you have given me. No matter where you would spend your days, whether at work or in front of a kitchen sink, you always knew that every condition has two sides, the bright and the gloomy. You always look for the bright, and the pleasant to make sure that side steadily grows and increases. You both enjoy life and that reflects to all of you family and friends with each smile and hug that you so lovingly give. That is how I know you both have mastered the real art of living - because truly, we have only that which we make - only that which our souls reflect. That is why happiness dwells in your home. I remember the 4th of July that you came dressed as Lady Liberty, I don't know how many times I saw Bob walk up beside you and give you a kiss on the cheek. I smiled and knew that was true love. You both have given us gobs of laughter.
Mom used to say that Bob was the angel sitting on the Rodgers family shoulders. I remember going to your house on Main Street. Mom would sit in the dining room or kitchen and of course us kids would be upstairs. In comes Bob after work, heads to the kitchen and helps with supper without a word of being tired or what a day he may have had. Looking back I know what the wages of love were and how he would spend them. Rosemary, recently you were asked what your advice was for having such a long lasting marriage: you answered "I married the right one!" I think this is true for both of you. -Rita and Al Since Megan has asked for stories and experiences with God's angels here on earth, Rosemary and Bob, all these memories have presented themselves...
I have an image of Rosemary working the streets- as a policewoman. I was so proud to be able to say that my aunt was a policewoman. It was years later before I was told that she wasn't really an aunt but a cousin. It didn't matter what relative classification she was, for she was always more than either one. We often shared holiday meals with them and I always looked forward to having them come to B Street, for the house came alive whenever they were around. At times they acted as buffers from the disorder that often arouse in our family. They shared their love with us and made us feel that we were part of a typical family - a family that could laugh. There is one theme that keeps popping into my head as I recall these flashes of warmth in my life... Rosemary and Bob ALWAYS made me feel special. Rosemary made a promise to my dying mother that she and Bob would take care of my siblings and me like we were their own children and they made good on that promise. They have the MOST sincerely comforting hugs that always made me cry... that always make me feel safe and loved. -Marilyn Griffith Borawski |
Growing up in New Mexico and being so far away from relatives it was easy for me to come up with a favorite childhood memory of Aunt Rose and Uncle Bob.
Without fail a 2lb box of Daffins' Chocolate was received every Christmas. Having achieved adulthood and reflected back, the visits Aunt Rose and Uncle Bob made to our home filled the air with laughter and good cheer. Looking back I believe the happiest I ever remember seeing my father was when he could look across the room and see his sister. For this I will always be indebted to Aunt Rose and Uncle Bob. I received a birthday card every year since I can remember and I have not stayed in one location either. Another tribute to a wonderful couple. -Jim Sheridan Aunt Rose is not only my Aunt but also my Godmother, which is even more special in my heart. Aunt Rose has never forgotten to send a card or note for a special time in my life. But the greatest memory was Aunt Rose and Uncle Bob coming all the way to New Mexico to honor her Goddaughter and dad's 1st daughter to be married. Aunt Rose is a very special person to me.
-Cheri Wilson Bob and Rosemary were like a second mother and father to me. When my mother passed away they were there for us. They kept us busy. I remember spending time on the front porch with them. We would just sit and talk. I remember Rosemary coming home from work from Daffin's (I always thought that maybe she would bring home some candy).
I remember the times she took us to school. She wore her bathrobe and slippers. We would stop at the gas station at the corner of Main and State St. , Just to get enough gas to get us to school. The years flew by so quickly. When my grandmother passed away, Rosemary was the first person I wanted to call. Bob and Rosemary came immediately to the house to be with us. They were always there for you. Once about a year ago, I went to visit them, they were going to help do something for us. They acted like a young couple. I thought, I hope that Chuck and I can be as happy after 60 years of marriage as they are. The reunions also brought memories. Rosemary dressing up. She kept us laughing. I miss having reunions like the "good old days". I just want to thank you both for being there for the Griffith kids. I don't know what we would have done without you. -Carole Werner The memories of Bob and Rosemary will always be - They were there when we needed them most - like when Rosemary walked into the hospital the day Paul had open heart surgery. No one knew she was coming [to Albuquerque], she flew by herself and took a cab to the hospital. That took nerve, since she didn't like to fly. Her love is great.
There were lots of good times and some sad times. But both Rose and Bob were always there to pick me up with I went down. -Ruth Sheridan |
I can't put into words how much they have done for me over the years and how much I have to thank for having them as aunt and uncle and always being there for me. I love them very much.
-PattiAnn Smeraglia
"Bob and Rosemary are always there for everyone in any kind of need; Prayers, advice, and understanding, they are always available.
I recall when one of our daughters was about to be married and they brought gifts for us, the parents of the bride. They thought we should have gifts also. Rosemary and Bob have their always present, positive attitude and can always see the good side in every happening." - Alberta & Jim Duby From all I head from so many folks while attending weddings, funerals, parties, reunions in PA I realize how much you do for so many people and are "right there" when people are in need of help.
I'll never forget the time Fred was so sick with cancer and you arranged to get the wheelchair and took Fred and I to Cleveland for a prayer service in a large auditorium. -Dolores Pleger To me Bob and Rose have represented what is fun and good about our family. They have made the effort to always be present at family weddings, reunions, funerals, graduations, parties, and the like for as long as I can remember. That is a commitment my generation should be appreciating. We're either too involved, working too much, gone on vacation, or just plain too busy.
And those personal cards she sends just seem to come on time year after year celebrating those special events in our lives. They come our way even when we don't send some theirs. Each card was always a lift to our spirits and a blessing to our hearts. Seemingly, the reunion attendance progressively declined year by year but Rose and Bob never miss. They seem to know what family is all about and the importance of just being there to be counted among those who care. Rose was never one to hold back the charm while Bob has that eternal smile. I am sure Rose thinks I'm lough, brash, opinionated, never the worse for words, and a big tease. But, those are my fondest memories of Rose from my youth. She did things with fake weddings, wigs, wit and false teeth that are still embedded in my mind even from 35 years ago. Bob was always there quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) cheering her on, or sometimes acting like he was appalled - imagine that! They were almost like a comedy team with Rose being the lead and Bob the foil. It seemed Bob liked everyone to think he had nothing to do with Rose's escapades, but he was always right there exactly when they occurred. Laughter was the spice that made the reunions great. It wasn't the card games, hay rides, fireworks, food, or just fooling around - it was the laughter we remember. It was the laughter that made us want to come back. ...Rose and Bob were one of the earliest there [the reunion] and one of the last to leave no matter where the reunion ended up being held. Rose and Bob always had to put their two cents in at the reunion meetings, but left us with a fortune of memories. -Doug Swanson |