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RoseMary Kellum

March 13, 1925 ~ March 13, 2026

Born in: Waverly, Indiana
Resided in: Mooresville, Indiana

It is with both sadness and celebration that we announce the passing of RoseMary Kellum, who departed this life on her 101st birthday, Friday, March 13, 2026, at her Mooresville home with family at her side. Born on Friday, March 13, 1925, in Waverly, Indiana, she is the daughter of the late Reuben and Gladys (Hedrick) Aldrich.

RoseMary attended Mooresville High School, where she graduated as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1943. She earned two bachelor’s degrees from Indiana University, one in chemistry and another in dietetics.

For more than 30 years, she ran the Kellum Swim School at her home, teaching swimming lessons, lifeguard training, WSI certification, and water aerobics to thousands of children and adults. Her spirit of service extended to her role as the American Red Cross Regional Blood Director and as a Girl Scout leader for many years.

In recognition of her significant community contributions, RoseMary was honored as Mooresvillian of the Year in 1986 and Mooresville High School Alumni of the Year in 1987.

She and husband Richard were longtime members of the Mooresville First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and playing cards. Her welcoming home and warm hugs will forever be cherished by her loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kellum; daughter, Margaret Worsham; sons-in-law, Greg Worsham and Don Holton; brother, Reuben Aldrich; and sister Janet McClain.

She is survived by her loving family: children; Mary Beth Kellum of Ortonville, MI, Charles “Chuck” (Julia) Kellum of Anderson, Sallie (Michael) Thomas of Mooresville, Grace Holton of Windsor, NY, and Susan (Brian) Crites of Waukee, IA; 10 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, a nephew and close family friends.

RoseMary was referred to as Mom by many, especially by her Pham daughters Sugar, Bich Thuy, Cybele, Autumn, Amy and June.

RoseMary will be laid to rest following a private graveside service in White Lick Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life open house at Mooresville First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 21st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mooresville First United Methodist Church or to the American Red Cross in RoseMary’s memory.

Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements. Visit carlilsebranson.com to sign the online guest registry or to leave a memory.

 

Services

Memorial Gathering: Saturday, March 21, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

First United Methodist Church
900 Indianapolis Road
Mooresville, IN 46158


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Guestbook

  1. We remember and celebrate today the sweet spirit, and the loving compassionate woman that was RoseMary Kellum. We’re thankful for the time we were blessed to spend with her at Mooresville First United Methodist Church.

  2. My family was well acquainted with the Kellum family. I graduated with Mary Beth in 1969 and was in school with Chuck. I believe my sister Judy was a friend of Sallie. I spoke with Rose Mary often during my school years in Mooresville. The same with Richard. Both were friends of my Dad Charles and Mother Doris. They were awesome people and made a difference in a positive way in Mooresville. Rose Mary had a life well lived. I send my best to the family. God Bless you and keep you❤️✝️.
    Roger Raymond MHS/1969

    • Thank you, Roger, for your kind memories. Yes, our families intertwined in many ways. Peace to you all—Mary Beth

    • Thank you, Sabrenda. You all at Sidney and Friends always took such good care of Mom. You are a dear friend.

  3. I am so grateful that I got to spend a whole year with Miss Rosemary. Im going to miss her so much. I loved when she would sing when I came to do services. She will be truly missed.

    • Monica, you were such a blessing to Mom. We appreciate all you did for her and how you embraced her. It was so sweet that you and Sidney were able to come and do her nails for her one last time in time for her birthday.

  4. RoseMary had a life well-lived, and touched so many lives! I am blessed to have known her. I will miss her here, but I rejoice with her family for her Homecoming.
    What a legacy she left– her amazing family, and all the ways she impacted our community.
    My sincerest condolences to all of her loved ones

  5. I remember the wonderful open door, FCA gatherings and I am sure many a gathering of Basketball team members from 79-83 girls team. I was in lifeguard training program, and RoseMary was so patient and kind. You just knew it was a happy home upon entering. A loss for the community, a life well lived.

    • Thank you for sharing these memories and kind words in celebration of Mom. She loved hosting gatherings for family & friends throughout the years.

  6. Susan and Brian:

    I am so very sorry for your loss. RoseMary was such a wonderful woman. I remember her always being at everything from elementary through high school and always with that wonderful smile! I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this most difficult time.

    God Bless,

    Bill

  7. Jack and I remember both Richard and Rosemary very well, Jack served on the Mooresville School Board with Richard and Rosemary was a huge asset to the Mooresville Community. She will be greatly missed.

    • Thank you, Virginia, for your kind words. It is comforting to know that others carry memories of Mom and Dad as well.

  8. Sallie, praying for comfort and strength at this time for you and your family. Our timelines have intersected so often through the years – from school bus rides to sitting under trees during our kids’ swim lessons to retirement. Know that you are loved. You are held. “We do not grieve as those who have no hope” – but still, we grieve.

    • Carol, you are so right. We look forward with great hope to our heavenly reunion and so grief does not hold power over us. It was so recently that your mom “graduated”, I know you feel for us and with us as we adjust to life without our wonderful moms. Thank you for your kind remembrances. We both have certainly been blessed.

  9. I loved this Lady!! She was a great substitute teacher and was so good to the Scouts in her pool. The patience she had was remarkable! I also knew her from different events where Sally was because we were in the same class. Mooresville will miss Mrs K!

    • Thank you, Linda, for your kind words. It is comforting to know that others, you included, have such fond memories of Mom. Thank you for sharing with us.

  10. I always enjoyed going to Mrs. Kellum’s for swimming lessons. She was a fantastic teacher and a great lady.

    • Mary, we are grateful that you shared your remembrance of Mom. We continue to marvel at the impact she had through her swimming lessons.

  11. Susan and the entire Kellum family!
    Our thoughts are with you as you celebrate the life of your mom. What an amazing life she lived and legacy that will follow her for years to come. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Gwyn (Myrick) and Dawn (Seyerle) Walker

  12. RoseMary was a gem!!She will be greatly missed!!I used to do over nights with her when I worked at Home Instead!!She loved coloring,watching birds and kicking your butt at Rummy!!Sending all my love and prayers to all her family and friends!!RIP, RoseMary it’s not goodbye it’s see ya later!!🙏🏻❤️🥺

    • Anna, it is good to hear from you. Thank you for these kind words. We appreciate how sweet you were with Mom and how you took care of her. She was amazing at Rummy!

  13. What a remarkable woman!
    You can definitely obverse the blessing and favor of God all mighty in her life. Always a pleasure to be with Rose Mary. What a life well spent! Praying strength for all her children.

    • Thank you, Dan and Ada. I know you were praying for some time for Mom and for us. Thank you for your continued prayers for the family. We love you both.

  14. With loving memories of RoseMary. Spend many years at water aerobics at her pool. RoseMary was a wonderful woman. Sincerest condolences to the Kellum Family

    • I remember RoseMary as a kind and gentle soul….always welcoming and pleasant to be around during our school years thru younger adulthood.
      Comfort and Strength to Chuck and the Kellum family.
      Tom Fleener

    • Thank you, Roswitha, for your condolences. We are glad you were able to enjoy the pool with her.

  15. While we didn’t have the opportunity to know RoseMary, it’s clear she was a deeply important and cherished pillar in her large family and community. Ted and Adeepa have shared many stories of her tenacity and kindness, and it’s evident that her legacy will live on through all who knew and loved her.

    Wishing you comfort in the many memories you shared and sending our heartfelt condolences to the entire extended Kellum family.

    • Thank you so very much for your kind words and wishes for comfort. Our family has truly been blessed beyond measure by the legacy of unconditional love and servant hearts that both our mom and dad have left for us.

  16. Rosemary will be remembered for everything she was ❤️ She was oh so generous and always knew how to make others laugh. I will miss her but I’m so thankful for my time with her. She taught me how to play Rummy and I play multiple times a week, thinking of her. Rosemary and I became so close that I could almost guess everything she would say next. I want to share a funny memory.

    There was a day she was reading the paper and she got to the obituary’s. She said “well I don’t see our names on here so we must be doing fine”.

    While this funny story is way too true now, it’s just a small way I think of how silly she was. I’ll forever miss my card playing girl ❤️

    • Ashley, you two always had so much fun together! You brought sunshine into each other’s lives. I’m glad you were able to come back again if only temporarily. Thank you for sharing your memories with our family. We appreciate all you did for Mom.

  17. RoseMary was truly a Mooresville treasure! Opening her door for swimming lessons, greeting us at church, etc. There was never a time where she wasn’t positive and upbeat, making everyone feel welcomed. She really was the hands and feet of God. I can imagine the welcoming she, herself received when she went home to Heaven.
    To her kids, thank you for sharing your mom with all of us.

    • Janelle, we had a great example–Mom was very generous and we all learned to share from her and Dad’s examples. I also like to think that she had her best birthday ever–in heaven! Thank you very much for your kind words.


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