Rosemary Burkitt 69 was born in Streator, IL. She was the daughter of Walter and Opal Henson Burkitt. She graduated from Streator high school.  She was married to John Oltman (he survives) and they later divorced. She is survived by their 2 children, son Jeffrey Oltman (Lois) of Surprise, AZ. and their daughter Julie Brooks (Paul) of Hillsboro, IL. Five grandchildren Christopher, and Nathan Oltman both of Los Angeles, CA. Jennifer Brooks of St. Louis, MO., Stephanie (Randy) Shipman stationed in Italy, and Molly Brooks in Edwardsville, IL.

  Rosemary was the youngest of seven children and is survived by one sister June Price (Ben) of Streator, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters Imogene Hayes (Howard), and Gladys Delillo (John), both of CA, and three brothers Lloyd (Dorothy) of AR., Virgil (Gloria) of Streator, and Forrest (Pat) Burkitt of Cornell, IL. She has many nieces and nephews.

  Rosemary was a homemaker for many years in Minonk, IL. She enjoyed raising and showing dogs, china painting, gardening, operating/owning a gift shop in Streator. She graduated as a dental hygienist from Illinois Central College before moving to CA. in 1992.

  She was vacationing along the coastline of southern Oregon with her special friend Charles Gorden who was with her the morning of November 22, 2008, at the time of her passing. Also with her was her canine companion Towanda.

  Rosemary became a well known local artist while living in Ukiah. She also enjoyed her fruit trees, flowers, and rosebushes. She enjoyed excursions along the California coastline, dancing, and painting. She was employed by Safeway Foods Co., in the flower department before retiring.

  Rosemary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ukiah, the Mendocino County Art Association and the Ukiah Senior Center.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be at the Solon Baker Telford Funeral Home in Streator IL on December 14, 2008 with a visitation at 1:00 p.m., followed by funeral service at 2:00.

Rosemary will be buried beside her parents at the Riverview Cemetery.

  A celebration of Rosemary’s life will also be held in January 2009 in Ukiah, CA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Mendocino County Art Association or Mendocino Cancer Resource Center.