Search by Name

Search by Name

Vada Roseberry Obituary

Vada Le Stewart Roseberry Vada Le Stewart Roseberry was born on September 25, 1930 in Phoenix, Arizona, the only child of Jessie and LeRoy Stewart. She passed away surrounded by her loving family on August 30, 2012. Grandma Vada, as she was warmly referred to by her family, attended Emerson Elementary, North High School and the University of Arizona, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. She was a member of the Board of Visitors, the Columbine Garden Club; she was a past President of the Casa Grande Union High School Board and was an elder in the Presbyterian Church. At the youthful age of 18, Vada met and married Milton P. (Bud) Smith and after Bud graduated from U of A moved with him to the family farm 25 miles west of Casa Grande, AZ. On the farm, Vada and Bud raised four fun-loving sons: Le, Stewart, Mike and Gary. Until her death, Vada's sons remained her pride and joy. Vada moved back to Phoenix in 1975, and married The Reverend Dr. Q. Gerald Roseberry in 1990. In their life together they became a vital part of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother (great), Vada was an accomplished artist. Vada's art was displayed in numerous locations most notably – Grand Palais in Paris, France, San Miguel de AlIende, Mexico City, Laguna Beach, Wagon Wheel Gap in Colorado, Tucson and Phoenix. Vada masterfully intertwined her art with her unwavering faith as is beautifully evidenced in the stained glass window gracing the wall above the altar in Trinity Cathedral. Originally asked to lend her advice on designing a new window after a fire destroyed the original one, Vada's loving and imaginative spirit ultimately produced the window that now adorns the north end of the Cathedral. All who look at it can see Vada's love of life and steadfast belief in Christ. Vada's other love was traveling. She was always on the move, visiting all corners of the world. She took a journal wherever she went and wrote, sketched and painted her experience. Her travels impacted her in so many ways and were reflected in many of her paintings. Vada is survived by her devoted husband, Q. Gerald (Jerry) Roseberry, her four sons, Le (Jacque), Stewart, Mike (Mona), Gary (Andrea), 15 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren: Channen, Suzi, Tyler, Mason, Jared, Jessica, Taylor, Hannah, Spencer, Morgan, Adrienne, Kimberly, Allison, Max, Carter, Victoria, Curtis, Vada, Zoe and Schuyler. Her entire family will miss their Grandma Vada dearly and will hold her memory, her beautiful smile, her sparkling eyes and her loving and generous spirit in their hearts forever. A Memorial Service will be held on September 17th, 2012 at 10:30 am at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ, 85014 would be kindly appreciated.

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Sep. 9 to Sep. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Vada Roseberry

Not sure what to say?





October 9, 2012

Dear Jerry and family.I just learned of Vada's passing and I am very sorry for your loss. We all know what a wonderful person she was and I am very honored to have worked and cared for her. You are all in my prayers and God Bless you all. Tess Isiderio

Kay Martin

September 13, 2012

What a wonderful family Veda and Gerry gathered around them. I am sure that Ved's absence will be gravely missed. Bless each of you as you grieve her passing.

Tom Tischer

September 13, 2012

Thank You for Your Great Life! You supported the Chaplancy for the Homeless in so many ways. -- Tom Tischer, Board of the Chaplaincy For The Homeless- Phoenix

September 12, 2012

Dear Jerry and family. I just heard of Vada's passing, and I am so very sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers through this sad time.
Dave Goodall

September 10, 2012

Dear Jerry and family. What a blessing she has been to all who knew her and loved her! How dearly we keep you all in our prayers. May she continue to bless you each. Joanne and Ed Rapp

Julie Blair

September 9, 2012

I think of Mrs. Smith as being the most beautiful of women in every way. Her legacy will live on through the sons that she raised and her grandchildren that followed. I know that she will be missed but how comforting to know that she will always be the light that is with you.

September 9, 2012

God Bless Vada and the Smith's entire family. I was lucky to know such a beautiful woman, inside and out. Full of grace, she will be missed.
Kelly Ann O'Connell

Marguerite Brown

September 9, 2012

To the Smith Family - our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Vada was a treasure and surely will be missed.

May God Bless you all,
Marguerite Valenzuela Brown

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Vada Roseberry's name

Memorial Events
for Vada Roseberry

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Vada's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Vada Roseberry's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more