Rosemary Dixon "Rosie" Ulrich

Rosemary Dixon Ulrich, affectionately known as Rosie, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Melbourne, FL, at the age of 91. Born to Ellis William and Nellie Florence (Ingraham) Dixon on July 5, 1932, in Seattle, WA, she led a life marked by dedication, compassion, and creativity.

Rosie attended Roosevelt High School in Seattle, graduating in 1950. She was quite busy with college over the next 8 years, earning a Bachelor of Science cum laude from Seattle Pacific University in 1955, while also completing a BS at the University of Washington and her RN degree at The Swedish Hospital School of Nursing the same year. She went on to obtain a degree from Multnomah Bible College and a Masters in Nursing from the University of Washington. Finally, she attended the Summer Institute for Linguistics where she met the love of her life, Matt Ulrich. She and Matt were married December 27, 1957. They spent the rest of their lives serving the Lord together.

Rosie's career was a testament to her generous spirit and relentless dedication. She worked as a nurse, missionary, Bible translator, author, and linguist. For 58 years, she served with Wycliffe Bible Translators, spending many years in rural Guatemala as the main provider of medical care in the town of San Louis, Peten. After translating the New Testament and other passages of the Bible for the Mopan Maya, she and Matt went on to do similar translations for the Chamococo people and the Maka people (both of Paraguay). Rosita (as her Spanish friends called her) was known for her innovative community work, such as promoting local trades, literacy, and publishing traditional tales in native languages. She also published medical pamphlets in the native language to teach sanitation and hygiene as well as Bible picture books to share more about the Lord she loved so dearly.

Always a dedicated follower of Christ, she actively participated in church throughout her life. Graceway Church in Melbourne, FL, became her home church after her retirement; most recently she attended the Discovery Village Chapel. Rosie's hobbies included singing, playing music, swimming, and excelling at board games and card games, which brought joy to many around her.

Rosie is survived by her children, Tom Ulrich (wife Mary), Jim Ulrich, Cindy Ulrich, and Cherie Legein (husband Michel); grandchildren, William Ulrich, Jesse Legein, David Ulrich, and Theresa Gilrane (husband Bradley). She was preceded in death by her husband, E. Matthew Ulrich, and her brother, William Dixon.

A service to celebrate Rosie's life will be held at Graceway Church, 938 Lytton Rd., Melbourne, FL 32935, on August 3, 2024, at 11:00 am Eastern. Contributions in memory of Rosie can be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org) or Ethnos360 (www.ethnos360.org), organizations she passionately supported. Rosie's legacy of service, faith, and love will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Rosemary was very thankful to the Lord for always providing for her family and her ministry. She also was grateful to all those who supported her and Matt throughout the years both through prayer and finances, and to Wycliffe Bible Translators and Ethnos360 for providing the opportunity for her, along with Matt to serve as missionaries for so many years.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Discovery Village, Melbourne for their compassionate care as well Vitas Hospice for making her transition to Heaven more comfortable.