Rosa L. Pettus

 Rosa L. Pettus

90, of Middletown, heard "Welcome home, My good and faithful servant," on Friday May 2, 2025. 

She was born May 15, 1934, to the late Robert and Goldie (Combs) Hudson, in Jackson, KY. 

In addition to her parents, Rosa was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dalton Pettus; daughter, Linda Slezak; son, Dalton “Skip” Pettus; granddaughter, Tawny Slezak; great-grandson, Lloyd White; and siblings, Mary Jane Dunn, Stella Robinson, Robert Hudson, and Lois Prater.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Mike) Murphy; son, Joe (Vicki) Pettus; daughter-in-law, Marsha Pettus; son-in-law, Mark Slezak; brother, Doug Hudson; grandchildren, Joe Pettus II, Darren (Liz) Murphy, Cari (Nathan) Banks, Ryan Pettus, Stacy (Perry) Wenham, Shelby Pettus, Ericka Slezak, Sandra (Matt) Wagers, and Jacob Slezak; 18 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandsons; and numerous nieces, nephews, and a large extended family, along with her friends and family from Grace Baptist Church where she was a cherished and faithful member since 1951.

Rosa graduated Valedictorian from her HS class in Breathitt County, Ky. in 1951. She was an avid shooter earning a full ride to many colleges. Passing up that opportunity, she came to Middletown to stay with family, thus meeting Dalton at Alberts Supermarket.

In September of 1952, Rosa married the love of her life, Dalton. Their love blossomed and so did their family. In her later years, they often traveled far and wide, including two trips to Israel. Summers were spent at Cumberland Lake, Kentucky, and winters in Daytona Beach, Florida.

For several years Rosa and Dalton worked at Camp Chautauqua where she managed the kitchen. Her cooking did more than feed the campers, she poured the love of Jesus into them. 

She was an inspiration to many, known for her gift of conversation and preaching the word of Jesus, whether in person or over the phone. Her daily Facebook posts were a source of inspiration, showcasing the work of the Lord in her life and the lives of others. Rosa also took great pride in her homemade cards, as she would scrapbook and make them for all occasions for friends and family.

In 2024, Rosa moved in with her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mike. During the past year, she enjoyed watching Mike feed the squirrels and birds that were so part of Gods creatures.

Rosa loved spending time with her family and friends, always adoring them and speaking kind words to each loved one. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a testament to her beauty and vibrancy.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday May 7, 2025, from 11AM – 1PM at the Grace Baptist Church, 3023 Union Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005. The Funeral Service will begin at 1PM with Pastor Donnie Sixt and Dr. Roger Green officiating. Burial to follow at Grace Memorial Gardens where Rosa will be laid to rest next to her late husband, daughter, and son.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 1404 Goodale Blvd #200, Columbus, OH 43212.