San Dimas, CA — “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me that day.” 2nd Timothy 4:7-8.
Rosie Marie Smith Middleton was born on July 15, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA to the loving parents McKinnie (Jack) Ross and Susie Lee Ross.
Rosie accepted Christ at an early age at Second Baptist Church, Monrovia, CA where she remained until she joined the Victory Community Church, Upland, CA under the leadership of Tommy Morrow, Senior Pastor in 2019.
In 1953, Rosie married Harold Smith and to this union one daughter LaVerne Smith was born. As a young single mother, Rosie held various positions over the course of her life extending from care taking to property management to factory working. Soon Rosie would meet EH “Tommy” Middleton and life would change forever. After a long courtship, the two joined in holy matrimony 1958. From this union four children were born, Marilyn LaSalle, Dianne Middleton, Pamela Owens, and her beloved son Todd Middleton. Rosie and Tommy remained faithful and loving to each other and their family for nearly 38 years until his untimely death in 1995.
Rosie was a loving and giving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She loved taking care of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. At any family gathering you would find her rocking them, singing to them, and loving on them. She was always willing to help. Rosie was always grateful and loving toward her family. From doctors’ appointments to dinner dates with her children, she cherished the time that was well spent.
Rosie had various hobbies. She enjoyed cooking. Her favorite dishes to prepare were black eyed peas and chitterlings. She enjoyed listening to music and dancing. Her favorite song was, “Down Home Blues” by ZZ Hill. Rosie enjoyed road trips and visiting her family, however, when she was ready to go she made it noticeably clear, “Can we go? I am tired of sitting here!” which then began a running joke. Rosie was a joy to all encountered her and loved to laugh.
On December 28, 2020 Rosie departed her earthly home for her forever home in glory. Rosie was preceded in death by her parents McKinnie and Susie Ross; Brothers, Bobby Ross, Danny Ross and, Walter Ross; Sisters Catherine Ross Jones and Elizabeth Ross Byrd, and loving husband EH “Tommy” Middleton.
She leaves to carry her legacy four daughters, LaVerne Smith Miller, Marilyn LaSalle (Jaime) Dianne Middleton, Pamela Owens, Todd Middleton (Ta Lese). She leaves 26 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, along with 4 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She will be sorely missed.
As per the family’s request, a private homegoing will take place Monday, January 25, 2021.
