Rosella Foutz Epperly went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. She fought a six-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, with a latter added diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Born on May 21, 1937, in Salem, Virginia, she was known to others as “Rosie”, “Rose”, “Ms. Rose”, and “Rose Bud.”
She was married to James Edward Epperly in Salem, Virginia on October 8, 1955. They had four children: Donna, David, and twin sons, Timmie and Dennis.
In order of loss, she was predeceased by father, Ellis Foutz (1949); sister, Joyce F. Yopp (1993); husband of 40 years, Ed Epperly (1995); Mother, Mattie Foutz (1999); daughter, Donna E. Coffman (2014); son, David Epperly (2016); and special “granddog”, Onyx (2017) as well as numerous in-laws and other relatives.
Left to cherish her memory are sons, Timmie and Dennis Epperly; daughter-in-law, Bethany Amith Epperly; David’s children, Chelsea E. Falls and husband, Nathan, and Zachary Epperly; Timmie’s children, Austin and Casey Epperly. She is also survived by Chelsea’s children, Olivia, Savannah, and Brylee Falls.
She will be missed by a host of other relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and friends including; Judy Smith, Sylvia Reed, Jean Dooley, the Honaker family, and nieces, Pat Yopp and Marlene Hunt, who were all so kind and helpful in her last years and months. Her “granddog” Topaz, will particularly miss her “grandma” as she would daily watch over and comfort Rose.
Rose had little time for fun and leisure as she was dedicated to her family and work. She never held less than two jobs up until 2014, when she took the time to care for her daughter. In fact, she cared for each of her family members during their illnesses. She also opened her home at other times to her mother, children, in-laws, and grandchildren for extended stays.
Rose was known as a dedicated and hard-worker. She was employed by Kleen Uniform Rental as a presser, where she never complained about the long hours or heat. At K&W Cafeteria, she was well regarded b both co-workers and patrons. Rose also took care of an elderly lady whom she treated as family. She worked for three area clubs in hospitality, where Rose was considered a favorite amongst the members. But her primary and longest-lasting job was at the Salem Civic Center in catering and concessions. She was greatly respected and beloved by all. While there, she often met many celebrities, but never seemed “star-struck,” saying ‘They’re just people, after all.”
With little spare time, Rose still made sure to support her kid’s activities, most notably her boys’ hockey games. When they were younger, the family (including her mother) would attend professional wrestling matches, where Rose would root zealously, even raising her purse to show her support (or disdain)! Later in life, she would bond with her children and grandchildren over their love of various TV shows, such as Andy Griffith, Duck Dynasty, DWTA, The Voice, “soaps” and NASCAR. Her daughter was her best friend, and they would have numerous daily phone calls. They also enjoyed shopping trips to outlet stores. Rose was a good cook, known especially for her mac n’ cheese, mac salad, and meatloaf. She always made extra to send to her kids. In the last three years, Rose was a frequent visitor to Bethany’s parents’ home in Elliston, where she enjoyed various family functions with the extended family, including a shared 80th birthday celebration
with Sylvia Reed.
Rose rarely got a vacation, but she loved the beach. She was only able to go a few times, but hose trips were memorable. The first time, they piled the whole family of six, plus a nephew into a Ford Fairlane, drove straight to Virginia Beach, and the shared one motel room! Now that’s love! The next trip was with Timmie and his young children. And the final two were in 2017 and 2018 with Dennis, Bethany, and their dog(s). Rose enjoyed the beauty of the Pamlico Sound, especially watching the dog(s) frolic in the water. She took a ride in an open convertible, with her sunglasses on, looking like a movie star! She also took a walk(er) on the Avon Pier where she had her first “selfie!”
In summary, Rose Epperly had an amazing work ethic, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. She was fastidious about cleanliness, which was reflected in her workplace, her home, and her personal appearance. In her prime, Rose had boundless energy and often only slept for five hours. She was stoic and fiercely independent. Rose was never greedy, selfish, or materialistic. However, she did love the Aigner items that Donna would often gift her!
Above all, Rose was devoted to family. It’s what she valued most in life. Rose was the epitome of a mother (wife, daughter, grandmother) – selflessly seeing to her family’s needs, no matter their age or station in life. She would put her own life on hold to help in any way. Rose was not meddlesome, interfering, or judgmental. She forgave freely and loved unconditionally.
There is no doubt that Rose was a virtuous woman. God must have told her Wednesday “well done, thou good and faithful servant…. enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” – Matthew 25:21
The family would like to thank everyone for your love, prayers, well-wishes, help, and other acts of kindness. We are especially grateful to Judy Smith, who cared for Rose when Dennis couldn’t be there. You are a precious mother-in-law. Rose loved you very much.
Due to Covid-19, the family opted to hold a small graveside service for immediate family on Monday, June 1, 2020. There will be a Celebration of Life open to all in the future. Date and place not yet determined.
In lieu of flowers, please help someone in need.