Rosemary Woodruff

Rosemary Woodruff, 79, of Frankfort, Kentucky, passed peacefully into the arms of Christ on Monday, June 22, 2026. Rosemary was born to the late Mary Elizabeth Lewis (Tillett) and James Brown Lewis. She had two brothers: James Jr (Barbara) and a baby brother that died in childbirth, and five sisters: Carole (Ed), Jean, Kathy, Brenda (Bob), Linda (Bill.) Rosemary met the love of her life, Richard Woodruff, in high school and the two were married shortly thereafter on October 11,1968 and cherished 57 years together. Richard’s career in the Navy allowed them to travel frequently. They lived in Michigan, Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Rosemary took great pride in being the wife of a Navy Officer. Rosemary held the family together while Richard was deployed at sea. Richard and Rosemary had three children: Rick (Lisa), Jennifer and Greg (Marka). She had seven grandchildren: Brandon (Elizabeth), Chase, Tyler, Austin (Jane), Eden (Dan), Katie and Nik and six great-grandchildren: Adrienne, Jensen, Kaisley, Eva, Davey and Boone. Besides raising a family, Rosemary had a multifaceted career, eventually retiring as Vice President of First Kentucky Securities where she oversaw complex school bond issuances. Rosemary had a deep passion for family and cooking. Some of her favorite recipes range from “Cream Candy” to “Lumpia” at Christmas. Her children agree her best meal was hands down “Chicken and Dumplings.” She loved cruising the Bahamas after retirement, especially with extended family, but her deep-rooted love was for Christ and worship music. She often used her music skills to play piano and lead church choir. She frequented southern gospel conventions and enjoyed listening to praise and worship music. Leading choir was her happy place! In her later years, she found the joy of slowing down. She enjoyed being a grandma to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spoiling her “well-fed” dogs who never missed a meal. Family was important all the days of her life. Memorial Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ben Fuller officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rosemary’s grandsons (Brandon Dugas, Chase Dugas, Tyler Cook, Nik Woodruff, Austin Hart, Dan Ryan.) In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Franklin County Human Society or the Capital City Christian Celebrate Recovery Ministry. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

Tributes

Rosemary Woodruff

September 23, 1946 - June 22, 2026