Skelton, Rosemary Frances, (Sumrall), 88, of Riverside, died peacefully on December 5, 2016 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on October 3, 1928 at Paulding in Jasper, Mississippi, to Luther Franklin and Annie Mae (Denson) Sumrall.

Rosemary grew up in Richton, Mississippi. She graduated from Richton High School in 1945. After high school she attended Jones Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi, where she received an Associate’s Degree. Shortly after graduation, Rosemary worked for the phone company until meeting and marrying her husband.

Rosemary married Lawrence Skelton in December of 1950 in Richton, Mississippi. As a career Air Force wife Rosemary and their two children accompanied him all over the world until settling down in Riverside, RI in 1968. They were happily married for 58 years before Lawrence’s death in 2008.

Rosemary was often referred to as Minnie by her close family and friends. Minnie thoroughly enjoyed attending water aerobics classes at the Barrington YMCA and exercise classes at the Barrington Senior Center. Rosemary had a very close circle of friends who she would regularly go to luncheons with as well as Dunkin Donuts.

Rosemary is survived by her daughter, Anne M. (Skelton) Newberg of Riverside; a son, Larry Skelton and wife Donna Skelton of Rehoboth, MA; two grandchildren, Allison Newberg Gray and husband Adam of Ellington, CT and Kenneth A. Newberg and husband Shawn Lanier of Weston, MA; four great-grandchildren, Ethan and Isabel Gray of Ellington, CT and Emma and Katherine Newberg-Lanier of Weston, MA and Rosemary’s niece (and best friend) Sandra Reeves, who played a very important role in Aunt Rosie’s life.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her three sisters, Lavonne Rouse, Camille McIlwain, Joncie Howell and a brother, Joe Luther Sumrall.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday December 10, 2016 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 3 p.m. Calling hours are Saturday afternoon 1-3 p.m. Burial will be private.