Cover for Rosemary "Rosie" Billings's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Rosemary "Rosie"

Rosemary "Rosie" Billings Profile Photo

Billings

Dec 19, 1930 — Jul 31, 2026

Funeral Services

Visitation

August
4

Tuesday

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Mass

August
5

Wednesday

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church

315 Northeast 3rd Street, Washington, IN 47501

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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Obituary

Rosemary “Rosie” Billings, 95, of Washington, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026.

Born on December 19, 1930, Rosie was the daughter of John C. and Elizabeth (Clements) Essig. She graduated from Washington Catholic High School with the Class of 1949, a foundation that nurtured the lifelong faith, curiosity, and dedication to service that would define her life.

In 1956, Rosie married Gene C. Doyle of Loogootee, who preceded her in death. She later married Hugh F. Billings in 1983, and he also preceded her in death.

Rosie was loved by many and lived a life centered on faith, family, learning, and serving others. She was employed throughout the years at Williams Drug Store, Peoples National Bank, Home Outfitters, the Shoals Senior Center, and Crane. No matter where she worked, she was known for her strong work ethic, friendly spirit, and genuine care for those around her.

Even in her senior years, Rosie remained active and engaged. She was a beloved substitute teacher and volunteer in four Washington elementary schools, where countless students and staff were blessed by her kindness and encouraging presence. A lifelong learner, she enjoyed taking classes through Vincennes University, always eager to expand her knowledge. She also believed in staying active and could often be found walking, riding her bicycle, playing tennis, and mowing grass on her big John Deere—even at the age of 92.

Rosie generously shared her time with her community through R.S.V.P. and many volunteer efforts. A devoted member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, she faithfully served in numerous volunteer ministries throughout the years. In recognition of her many years of faithful service to the Church and community, Rosie was inducted into the Catholic Brute Society.

More than anything, Rosie treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose quiet example of generosity, perseverance, and compassion left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was truly loved by many, and her legacy lives on through the lives she touched.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Terri (Steve) Bradley, Janet (Kenn) Dahl, David (Anita) Doyle, Nancy (Mike) Elliott, and Holly (Mimi) Billings; her grandchildren, Jodi (Garrett) Baker, Erin (Ryan) Russell, Jeff (Sydney) Bradley, Kim (Adam) Lynch, Logan Dahl, Nolan Dahl, Shayna Doyle, Brandon Doyle, Emily Elliott, and Kevin Elliott; her great-grandchildren, Clara, Lincoln, Anson, and Charlie; and her sister-in-law, Rachel Doyle.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Gene C. Doyle and Hugh F. Billings; her infant son, Gene Doyle Jr.; her stepdaughter, Ceil Billings; her parents, John C. and Elizabeth Essig; her sister, Imogene Essig; and her brothers, John Essig and Paul Essig.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Washington Catholic Schools, or Feed My Sheep.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ed L. Lee Mortuary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, with Father Paul Ferguson as celebrant and Father Kenneth Walker as concelebrant. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery in Loogootee, Indiana.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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