September 1, 1923 - August 29, 2024
Rosemary Lorene Cross LeForce was born on Sept. 1, 1923 to Emma Lou and Rene Cross in Oilton. She departed this life on Aug. 29, 2024, three days short of her 101st birthday.
She moved to Bristow at ten years old and graduated from Bristow High School in 1941. She married her high school sweetheart, Clyde LeForce, on June 20, 1942. They had three girls, Judith Ann Stromme, Vicki Jo Cox and Jill Farris. Clyde and Rosemary were married 64 years when he passed away on June 9, 2006.
After Clyde’s NFL career with the Detroit Lions, they moved back to Bristow. They attended all of the high school sporting events to cheer on their Purple Pirates. She remained an avid sports fan, especially following TU and Detroit! She also enjoyed playing bridge and golf. She was an accomplished artist with hand painted pieces in the archives of the Smithsonian.
At age 42, Rosemary became the registrar at Bristow High School and held that position for 19 years. After a 20 year retirement, she returned to teach the computer lab at Collins Elementary. She held that position for six years, retiring at the age of 84.
Rosemary was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church, charter member of the Bristow Historical Society, PEO, Tulsa Town Tolers, and the Creek County Retired Teachers.
Rosemary is remembered by her daughters, Judy, Vicki, Jill (Bud); grandchildren Lori Jones, Greg Stromme, Marcy Niver (Nick), Kylie Buchan ( Jared), Abby Wood (Michael), Emily Ferguson (Austin); great grandchildren Tyler, Chance (Brittany), Caleb, Mackenzie, Bryce, Sebastian, Abraham, Teddy, Gavin, Cannon, Asher, Karis, Piper, Beau, Sawyer; and a host of nieces and nephews and very good friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde, her parents Emma Lou and Rene, her step father Ralph Hockett, sisters JoAnn Craig and Nina Newberry, son-in-law John Cox and baby great grandson Cash Ferguson.
In celebration of Rosemary’s life and passion for sports, we invite guests to dress casually or wear attire representing their favorite sports team. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Bristow United Methodist Church or Bristow Historical Society.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.matherlyfuneralhomes.com