Rosie Lee Askew

Rosie Lee Askew passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Tuesday January 20, 2026, surrounded by loving family.
She was born on January 1, 1937, in Bassett, Arkansas to Clyde and Gertrude Askew. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1956 and attended Indiana University Northwest. Rosie studied piano intensively from a young age and was a talented pianist, sharing her music amongst many church families across Indiana. She was known for her leadership, kindness, gentle strength, style and grace.
Rosie discovered her love for music at a young age, spending many hours mastering the piano. Her musical career began when she started and played for the "Sunshine Band" at Peter's Rock church at the age of 13. She went on to grow her musical talents and found a love for developing church choirs.
After leaving Peter's Rock, Rosie went on to New Hope Baptist Church and was the first female musician. She went on become the minister of music under the late Prophet EN Williams, and other churches such as New Friendship of East Chicago, Spirit of Love under the Late George Anthony, New Tabernacle, Mount Paran, Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church under Rev Hall and Rev Lee. She also was choir musician under Rev Jones. In her musical career, she formed and played for multiple musical groups such as "The Rosette's", The Roses of Gary, The Gayles of Joy and many other male and female singing groups.
Rosie Askew has been recognized and received countless certificates and Tributes for her musical talent and leadership throughout the city of Gary. She received with Appreciation recognition and certificates from New Tabernacle Mass Choir "I Shall Wear a Crown", Certificate of Appreciation from People of Gary in 1987, Recognition for outstanding dedication from Friendship Baptist Church in 1998, Recognition at City Wide Music Seminar in 1988. With her most recent recognition from Gethsemane Baptist church in 2024.
Rosie leaves to cherish her memories sister Laura Williams, loving children Rosemary (Louis) Meux, Avery (Donna) Askew, and Rosland (Bernard) Smith, loving grandchildren Tobias (Tamika ) Meux, Tyron (Tameka) Adams, Michele' Phillips, Orene Askew, Leland Askew, Ari Meux, Ava Meux, Oji Meux, and Joshua Smith; Loving great grandchildren Amiya, McKinley, August, Quemon, Tyron, Tyran, Ahonisti', Milan, Justin, Kaleb, and Lelani and a host of loving great great grandchildren, and many beloved, nieces, nephews, special cousin Mabel, special friend Mother Nash and dear friends.
Rosie was preceded in death by parents Clyde and Gertrude, grandfather and grandmother, Josh and Ary Sue Phillips (forefathers of New Hope Baptist Church), siblings Lois Jean Haynes, Clyda Mae, Jessie Askew, Willie and Nathaniel Brown, and Maurice Rogers.
Visitation, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. All services at New Hope Church, 2307 Rhode Island Street Gary, IN 46407. Christopher Robinson -Pastor and Reverend Curtis Lee officiating. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park.