Rosemarie S Doss

Rosemarie Doss passed away on the evening of April 1, 2026, at her home in Rincon Valley, surrounded by the family she spent her life loving and supporting. It was a fitting farewell for a woman who was the heart behind countless gatherings. Though she never sought the spotlight, she was often the reason family came together, always encouraging more time, more connection, and more shared moments. At the center of her life was, and always remained, family.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward Doutin Doss, whom she devotedly cared for over many years; her grandson, Justin Doss; her siblings, Eddie Evans and Grace Tempest; her sisters-in-law, Diane Evans and Betty Doss; and her brothers-in-law, J.R. Doss and Rupert Hart.
She is survived by her children, Mike Doss (Feh), Randy Doss (Tammi), Nora Stewart (John) and David Rowley (Bernadette); her grandchildren, Benjamin Sims, Natalie Hunt (Matthew), Shannon Martinson (Cory), Charlotte Rangel (Matt), Joseph Myers (John), Alison Murner, Matthew Doss (Jessica), and David Sims (Eva); and her great-grandchildren, Elijah, Carter, Brooklyn, Zoey, Leland, Maxwell, Miles, Samantha, James, and Dylan; and brother, David Evans, and sister-in-law, Virginia Hart.
Rosemarie’s life was rooted in faith and community. She was a proud member of The Church of Christ and an active participant in the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star, where she once served as Worthy Matron. Her commitment to service extended beyond formal roles and into the way she lived each day.
At her core, Rosemarie was a person who believed in people. If someone described themselves as an introvert, she would gently insist otherwise. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. That openness defined her relationships and created a wide circle of people who felt known and welcomed by her.
Her personality was as vibrant as it was generous. She loved to laugh and had a way of delivering jokes that took just a moment to land, followed by her signature coy smile that made it clear she knew exactly what she had done. She was sassy, resilient, and deeply kind-hearted. Together, Rosemarie and Edward lived lives marked by generosity, including opening their home to foster children in their teens who later became part of the family. They were also proud of their contributions to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
That spirit of openness carried into her love of travel. She and Ed spent years exploring with friends through Masons-on-the-Go and creating memories with family along the way. They instilled that same sense of adventure in their children early on. Many trips were taken in their RV, towing their Honda Civic across the United States. Rosemarie took pride in having visited nearly every state, and together she and Ed traveled to 47 states, Canada, and even spent a memorable year living abroad in Guam, lizards and all. She once went as far as Germany to visit her son and his wife, only to complain that there was no American breakfast.
While she loved to explore the world, her greatest joy was always found at home, especially when it was full. Rosemarie was the matriarch of the family, the host of every holiday, and the grandmother who made breakfast every morning so her grandchildren would head off to school with full stomachs. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who made everyday acts feel meaningful. She took great pride in being a homemaker and often referred to it as the hardest, yet most rewarding, job.
She was also the keeper of the family’s memories, carefully preserving photographs in boxes and albums that she loved to revisit. Those collections reflected not just moments in time, but the deep value she placed on remembering and honoring family history.
Even in the quieter details of her life, her personality stood out. She dreamed of one day owning a cherry red convertible so she could let the wind move through her hair while listening to her favorite Elvis songs. She often joked that movies were a waste of time because they required sitting still for too long. She had a restless energy, a nervous foot that kept her moving, always ready for the next task or conversation.
That same energy carried into the things she loved to do. While she enjoyed cooking, baking was where she truly found joy, fueled by a well-known sweet tooth. She also loved game shows and could hold her own in a fierce game of Wheel of Fortune. At the table, she was a competitive Yahtzee player, often tallying scores herself if others took too long, eager for her turn.
She and Ed were exceptional parents and grandparents, and one of the most cherished parts of growing up with them was their commitment to truly knowing each grandchild. They made time for individual outings, whether it was miniature golf or a trip to the movies, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Their kitchen was always full, so the kids could come home after school to bread and butter or fresh cookies.
Her creativity showed in her craftsmanship as well. An avid seamstress, she made clothes for her children when they were young. Later, she became a dedicated quilter, ensuring that every new baby in the family received a handmade quilt and that each adult had one designed to reflect their personality and interests.
Her warmth was something you could feel immediately. No one ever left her home without receiving one of the best hugs they had ever had. Her laugh was infectious, her humor unforgettable, and her presence deeply comforting.
Her love for family extended beyond the present into her memories of the past. She dearly loved her parents, Fern and Chester, and her siblings, Grace, Eddie, and David. She often shared stories of her childhood, recalling how the family moved frequently as her father pursued new ventures, carrying his wanderlust with him.
She carried that same attentiveness into how she cared for others, making sure to celebrate every family member’s birthday and never missing an opportunity to show someone they mattered.
She also had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs and the many birds that gathered at her feeders, bringing life and movement to her home.
Above all, Rosemarie loved her family with unwavering loyalty. She was a steadfast supporter of her children and grandchildren, always ready to stand up for those she held close.
Her life was one of generosity, humor, resilience, and deep connection. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Graveside services took place on Thursday, April 16th at Santa Rosa Memorial Park on Franklin Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shriners Hospital.