Rosella Amerson Lewis, lovingly known as Rosie, was born on March 14, 1929, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to Bertie Amerson and Mary-Ann Singleton Amerson. She passed quietly on January 22, 2026. She was the fourth of six children. At age six, her family moved to Arizona, eventually settling in Mesa, which remained her home most of her life.
Raised during the Great Depression, Rosie learned early the importance of hard work and self-reliance. She began working as a teenager and carried that strong work ethic throughout her life, spending more than 26 years in retail, including 15 1/2 years with Kmart as an assistant manager of the garden center.
Rosie was married twice and was a devoted mother to three children. As a Navy wife, she lived in several places, including California, Maryland, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Later in life, she embraced independence and valued thrift, practicality, and common sense–wisdom she generously shared with her family.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: Mexican food, a Snickers or Milky Way, Folgers coffee, and a cold Dr. Pepper. Her favorite color was cranberry, and Hawaii remained her favorite place she ever visited.
Rosie was the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren, along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers. She is survived by one living sister, her 3 children: Carolyn, Janell and Gary. 10 grandchildren and generations of family who carry forward her strength and resilience.
Rosie will be remembered for her determination, independence, and quiet perseverance. She live life on her own terms and leaves behind a legacy of endurance and strength.
A memorial service and graveside will be held at Mountain View Cemetery Saturday March 14, 2026 at 11 am.