Roselia D. Milburn

Roselia Deanne Milburn, 86, passed peacefully on August 17th, after living a long and productive life. Born June 10th, 1938, in Lodi Ohio to the late Ross and Mable Hoy, Roselia was the oldest of four children. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John David Milburn in 1975.

Roselia graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1956 where as a senior she was the “Quaker Girl” and was involved in various activities such as Honor Club, Band, Pep Band, Orchestra, Cappella Choir, Y-Teens, Junior Jamboree, and Activity Committee. She then pursued her interest in a musical future at Muskingum University where she earned, in 1960, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Music Education. After graduation she married John David Milburn, whom she meant at Muskingum, and embarked upon a career in music education. For the next 35 years she taught music at a number of different schools both on the elementary and junior high level. She also taught piano privately to many of the same students she taught in school. During this same period she was the director of choir at a number of churches, most notably Broadway United Methodist, now Broadway Global Methodist, in her hometown of New Philadelphia.

In 1995 she retired to Sarasota Florida, a place she referred to as paradise. Roselia became an active member of First Baptist Church of Sarasota now known as First Sarasota, where she was a member of the choir. She also played piano for the famous Singing Christmas Tree and served for 25 years as President of The Ladies on Mission Group. She continued to teach piano privately to many families in the Greater Sarasota area for many years before retiring for good.

Roselia was a beautiful, charismatic, strong spirited woman who loved Jesus and her family. She enjoyed exercising, studying the bible, appreciating the beauty of nature, and sharing her love of music with her students, her church, her friends, and her family.

She is survived by her 3 children, Montgomery Milburn and wife (Pam), Melissa Milburn-Carver and husband (Ben), and Laura Milburn-Bruce. Her grandchildren Montgomery John Milburn Jr., Matthew David Milburn and wife (Khyla), Natalie Milburn-Carver, Nathan Milburn-Carver, and Nicholas Bruce. Roselia had 1 great grand daughter, Eleanor (Ellie) Mary Milburn.

Roselia is also survived by her siblings Jim Hoy, Richard Hoy and wife (Susan), Cheryl Eichel and husband (John), as well as sister-in-law Sue Marlatt and her husband (Gary).

There will be two (2) Celebration of Life services honoring Roselia in the cities she called home. The first service will be held in Florida on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 starting at 11:00 am. at First Sarasota, The Downtown Baptist Church, 1661 Main Street, Sarasota, FL. 34236, phone: 941-365-2846. There will be a luncheon served in the fellowship hall following the ceremony where you can share your condolences and favorite stories of Roselia with her family.

The second service will be held in Ohio on November 30th, 2024, at Broadway Global Methodist, 120 Church Avenue SE., New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663, phone: 330-339-1082. Visitation starting at 10:00 am., with The Celebration of Life ceremony starting at 11:00 am. There will be a luncheon served in The Spencer Fellowship Hall following the ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, if you would like, donations can be made to the above churches and their organizations or The Quaker Foundation in Roselia’s name. If you have further questions or concerns, please call the respective church offices listed above.