Rosa Lee H. Mutchler, 83

LAUREL - Rosa Lee H. Mutchler, of Laurel, departed this life for her heavenly home on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Seaford, following a lengthy illness. She was 83. Rosie, as she was affectionately called by her many friends and family, was born on May 17, 1925, on a farm five miles west of Laurel to the late Oscar Lee and Carrie E. Hastings Holloway. Her early years were spent growing up in the countryside near Laurel and Mardela, as well as the lower Delmarva Peninsula in Virginia. She moved into the town of Laurel as a young adult where she lived for the remainder of her life. She worked for several years prior to her marriage at the DuPont Nylon Plant in Seaford. After many years as a homemaker she went to work in the alterations department at Phillips' Men's Store in Laurel, retiring in 1991 after 30 years of service. Rosie was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Laurel and the Priscilla Circle, a women's group within the church. She also belonged to the Sussex County Chapter of the Red Hat Society. Her local group is known as the "Chatter Hatters." Her hobbies and interests were numerous. She particularly enjoyed crafting and was one of the many faithful women who worked tirelessly making crafts for the Christ United Methodist Women's annual Christmas Bazaar. Reading and cooking were among her passions which can be verified by her vast collections of books and recipes. She also enjoyed gardening, bird-watching, working crossword puzzles and Suduko. She had a keen interest in history and politics and loved to discuss the state of the nation with anyone who shared her interest. She was so looking forward to casting her ballot in the upcoming presidential election. She learned to use the computer at age 82, attesting to her inquisitive nature and her openness to new challenges. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mutchler was preceded in death by her brother, Vernon H. Holloway Sr.; and three sisters, Avon Stella Holloway, Norma Jane Holloway, and Ruth Anne Holloway. Her former husband, Stanley Shields Mutchler Jr. predeceased her in 1996. Surviving her are her sons, Byron K. Mutchler and his wife Patricia of Lewes, and R. Bruce Mutchler of Laurel; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Linda White and her husband Stephen of Middletown, Dr. Joyce Stout-Cosgrove and her husband Dr. Martin J. Cosgrove Sr. of Seaford, Anne Petty and her husband Robert of Memphis, Tenn., and Laura Lee Mutchler of New Castle, Pa.; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren, with one more due to be born in November; and one nephew, Vernon H. Holloway Jr. A funeral service was held in Christ United Methodist Church, Central Avenue, Laurel. The Rev. Donna Hinckle and Pastor Barbara Wilson officiated. Burial immediately followed the service. Arrangements by Hannigan-Short-Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel.