Rosa Lee Starling Ward-Miller, 87, of Columbus, Ohio, was born to the late James and Edna Starling on July 19, 1936, in Maybeury, West Virginia and entered into eternal rest on October 18, 2023.
Rosa’s life was marked by an undying devotion to her family, her devout faith to Christ and her strong work ethic. Immediately following her high school years, she married her sweetheart, Alfred Ward, Sr. where they began their life’s journey of selfless dedication to raising their seven children together.
In addition to her commitment to her family, during her earlier years, she was employed as a Registered Nurse for the Columbus State Hospital; and during her later years, she entered the food production industry, where she retired from The Ohio Packing Company in Columbus, Ohio.
Outside of her professional life, she found great joy in creating wonderful memories every chance she could by cooking for her family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rosa was well-rounded and found passion in many of life’s simple pleasures. She had an immaculate green thumb and enjoyed gardening and tending to her plants in her spare time. She loved shopping and interior decorating, leaving every room she touched more beautiful than before. She was an avid sports fan, and never missed watching a ball game or boxing match.
Rosa was a woman of grace, an embodiment of resilience, strength, and a true definition of self. She was a compassionate woman who always provided unwavering amounts of insight, guidance and encouragement to her family and friends. Her home was always full of love and always open to anyone in need. Her huge heart and compassion for others left an incredible impact and indelible mark on anyone that ever crossed her path.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Ward Sr.; sisters, Loretta Starling Penn and Isabelle “Freda” Starling Preston; brothers, James R. Starling and Harry F. Starling; three beloved children; daughter, Linda Ward; and two sons, Randy Ward and Alfred (Diane) Ward Jr., and her beautiful grand-daughter, Jamecia “Mimi” Evette Ward.
Rosa was a beautiful, generous, loving and kind soul. Her infectious smile lit up any room she entered. Her spunk and liveliness candor will be dearly missed. As we say goodbye to our Matriarch, let us remember her remarkable influence, her commitment, unconditional love, and dedication to her family. Her listening ear and her ability to provide comfort, strength and beautiful wisdom when we needed it the most, will never be forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace and her memory, along with the incredible legacy she built, live on in the hearts of everyone she touched throughout her life.
Rosa is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory, her four loving children, Audie, Jerry, Rosetta, and Tonya Ward of Columbus, Ohio; cherished sister, Reverend Betty Jean Hairston of Charlotte, North Carolina; bonus children, Darvelle (Melissa) Ward, Deidre (Shannon) Hayes, and Brandy Ward of Columbus, Ohio; special cousin, Ms. Mae Frances “Pete” Mapp of Columbus, Ohio; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, over 100 great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many dear friends.
Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Power in Glory, 122 W. Church Street, Pickerington, OH 43147.
Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.
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Miss Rosa was a second mother to me. She taught me so much❤️ We became extremely close when Mimi passed. I know they are together now and that gives me some solace. So,so much love and respect for the whole family. Thinking of yal and praying for you
You have always been my mom, although not blood you would never know. Your voice has always given me comfort. I’m going to miss you so much, but I know where you are and it makes my heart happy. I have loved you my whole life and when we saw each you let me know how much you missed and love me. I have a voicemail that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Your baby Poopsie
Mom Ward such a Beautiful W.O.G. inside & out. She will surely be missed by All who had the pleasure of knowing her. Prayer of Comfort for All the Family & Friends who Loved her so Much. Soar with the Angels & watch over us All.
When I moved here from Texas with my 2 children, “Mom-me” let everyone know I was her adopted daughter and she treated me as such. She will always be in my heart and I will truly miss her. I can’t cry, because she is with God and that is what she would want. No tears, just a smile.
Brandy, I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss. May your Grandmother Rest In Peace . Our Prayers are with you and your family. Please remember to call me if you need me.
Sandy, ( India’s Mom) .
Mrs. Ward is and was a phenomenal Woman I moved into the community where she lived at back in 1997 and came under her wing on the resident Council of our community with her as my guidance and she taught me a lot and I am still on the resident Council in my community after all these years because of her and who she was and what she instilled in me to keep me going to do the job that she was doing she would very much be proud of me for taking over for what she taught me how to do I love this woman and her grandbabies her kids they all came up under me in my community events and I still live in the community where she first started this program at I love her and thank you Mama Rosa for teaching me what you taught me about community and family and doing the right things I’m still doing it rest in peace beautiful lady
Mrs Rose will always be a reminder to me of the virtuous woman, a beautiful woman, wife & mother who kept one of the best looking homes in Sullivant Gardens. I stood in awe of her skill combined with grace!
I’m one of her favorite Grandkids Grandma Ward gave me my Name Shea Lamar. I’ll always love her and cherish all of the good times I had with her. I was separated from her since I was 18. I’ll definitely keep Grandmas memory alive. Isaiah will always Remember that him and Grandma have the same birthday July 19th. I love you Big Mom…
To Jerry Ward and Family:
May the love of God cover you and grant you peace.
To the family, I send my heartfelt condolences and prayers to you all . What a beautiful tribute while reading it I see and understand where my God mom Rosetta got her good cooking and knowing how to decorate from. May you all hold on to the memories you have and look to the Lord for strength.
Brandy, she loves you so much and she proved her love with everything she did in her life. Give Brandy the comfort and guidance from heaven. Brandy she will always be with you
Always loved and remembered.
Lois ( one of her many bonus daughters)
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you. You are the LOVE of my life. My new reality of living without you seems unreal—and just too much to fully comprehend. I’m struggling without your presence, but I know you are only absent in the physical sense. You will forever follow me and watch over Buddy & I. I feel you everywhere. You are missed dearly, and I will continue to honor you until my dying day. Thank you for raising me into the woman I am today. Thank you for helping me raise Buddy into the young man he is today. Everything that I am, is because of you. This life isn’t the same without you. I can’t wait to see you again. Until we meet again, Grandma…
~Brandy