Mrs. Rosealene Stanford, 82, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly but of natural causes at her home on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 11:50 am. She was born in Booneville, Mississippi on April 5, 1939 to the late Ira H. and Rosie V. (Miles) Smith. She later married James W. Stanford on November 20, 1967 in Cassopolis, Michigan. He passed away in 2018.

Surviving Rosealene are her daughters Linda (James) Housand and Cindy (John) Gunnett, both of Osceola and Debbie (Gene Hunter) Wakeman of Elkhart; her son James (Sandy) Stanford, Jr. of Osceola; 21 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren, as well as a large group of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Preceding Rosealene in death is a daughter, Tanya Yowl, and great grandbaby twins Riley Ann and Waylon Michael Harbour.

In accordance with Rosealene's wishes, no viewing has been scheduled and a graveside service at Prairie Street Cemetery will take place Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Rosealene's son-in-law, James Housand, will officiate. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with arrangements.

Rosealene was an outspoken and self-made lady who loved everyone "in her own way". She worked pretty much her entire life as a seamstress and specialized in such things as RV fabric components and clothing and dress patterns. She also worked tirelessly at maintaining her reputation as the neighborhood "cat lady", and although she would only admit to owning one cat, it seemed that all the neighborhood strays looked well fed and kept, along with a various assortment of hand-fed raccoons and birds. She also maintained a garden for some time and grew all types of flowers.

Once the "one cat" was fed…by the way, her name is Angel Baby, and according to reports from the family, she is noooo angel! Anyway, she would retire to the living room to catch up on her reading or to watch any one of the dozens of crime-drama-murder-mystery-who done-it detective shows that she loved watching. She was also a huge COPS fanatic, and threw an absolute fit when they took Live PD off the air.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association or to the animal shelter of one's choice. Friends and relatives are encouraged to leave condolences and memories of Rosealene by clicking "Tribute Wall" on her obituary page.

God's Blessings to you, Rosealene. You are now 10-42 for the final time.