Rosemary Tarpening

Rosemary Tarpening, age 83, of Brookfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield with Pastor Mandy Tarpening officiating.  Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookfield.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memorials to the Brookfield Senior Center may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.

Rosemary, daughter of Oakley Hunsaker and Grace (Montgomery) Aurig, was born October 4, 1939, in Kirksville.  On October 6, 1957, she married Fred “Junior” Tarpening, who preceded her in death on September 5, 2002. 

Rosemary began her career as a lotion line worker at LT York in Brookfield where she worked for over 15 years.  Later in her life she worked for several years as an aide at McLarney Manor, as well as a supervisor for Apex Plastics, both of Brookfield.

Grandma T loved her family, she especially enjoyed the time she spent with her grandchildren. She gave them a great life, full of torment and lots of laughs.  Rosemary also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and working with her flowers.  

Survivors include five children, Robin Tarpening and wife, Dana of Brookfield, Kelle Mosley and husband, Greg of Brookfield, Terry Tarpening and wife, Mandy of Excello, Jaymie Beckman and husband, Jerry of Laclede, and Stacy Head and husband, Joe of Brookfield; 15 grandchildren, Brittney Sensenich (Jason) of Brookfield, Ashley Bolden (Milton) of Anna, Texas, O.J. Rodriguez (Lois) of Brookfield, Mindy Branson of Holt Summit, Matt Rodriguez (Ali) of Jefferson City, Peyton Tarpening of Marceline, Ethan Tarpening of Marceline, Clara Wiedeman of Columbia, Kai Wiedeman of Brookfield, Austin Beckman (Katelynn) of Brookfield, Carsen Beckman (Kammy) of Killeen, Texas, Gracyn Beckman of Laclede, Tyler Wattenbarger (Shelby) of Laclede, Karli Wattenbarger of Brookfield, and Jaydin Head of Brookfield; 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred “Junior” Tarpening; three brothers, Harlan Patterson, Sam Patterson, and B.B. Patterson; and two grandchildren, Justin Lee Tarpening and Cody Lee Payne Tarpening.

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