Rosemary Buckles

Rosemary Buckles, age 90, of Trenton, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. She was born June 24, 1935, in Pawnee, IL, a daughter of the late Earl and Mary (nee Evans) Lard.

In addition to her parents, Rosemary was preceded in death by her husband, Edward W. Buckles whom she married November 13, 1954, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pawnee and who died April 24, 2016; son-in-law, Al Kelly; siblings, Bob Lard, Jim (Louise) Lard, George Lard, Pete Lard, Neta Hodge, and Barb Dyar; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary (nee Whalen) Buckles; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Skip Karnes, JoAnn (Albert) Deschamps, Bill Buckles, Joseph Buckles, and Judy Buckles.

Rosemary is survived by her children, Ed (Brenda) Buckles of Mechanicsburg, Theresa "Buckie" Kelly, Tom (Marcy) Buckles, and Kathy (Steve) Spihlman, all of Trenton; grandchildren, Matthew (Lynn) Buckles, Ryan Buckles, Andrea (Ben) Trutter, Joseph (Nathan) Spihlman, Evan Buckles, and Colby Buckles; seven great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; sister, Minnie Karnes of McAllen, TX; sisters-in-law, Ruth Ann Lard and Patty Lard, both of Pekin; and nieces and nephews.

Rosemary retired from her career as an Accounts Payable Clerk with NAF Accounting at Scott Air Force Base. She was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton, a lifetime member of the Altar Sodality, and a member of the New Baden American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321. For more than 50 years, Rosemary faithfully served the Boy Scouts of America, holding the role of district commissioner and working at Scout Camp in the medical tent, where her compassion and dedication touched countless lives.

In her free time, Rosemary enjoyed sewing, including making wedding dresses and prom dresses, camping throughout the United States, tending to her flower gardens and tomato plants, and spending time with her family. Above all, she treasured moments shared with her grandchildren, who brought her great joy and pride.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton with Fr. George Zieba presiding and Deacon Tom Ritzheimer assisting. Interment will be Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

Visitation will be Monday, January 5, 2026, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Mary Parish and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.