Rosalene Marie Bovenizer Kemp, 89, of Belmont passed away on November 15, 2019 at Emerald Pointe in Barnesville, Ohio and is now present with the Lord. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a Christian by faith.

She was born in Jacobsburg, Ohio on October 29, 1930 in the original Bovenizer family home. A child during the Depression, Rosalene helped in her dad's barbershop and loved to cook for her family. She treasured reading and excelled in school. Upon graduation from Smith Township High School, she began contributing to the war effort by making military duffel bags in a sewing factory. On a visit to Belmont in 1951, she met Hilles Glenn Kemp. Hilles served in the Navy during WWII, later graduating with a teaching degree from The Ohio State University. They quickly fell in love and married on October 14, 1951. They lived on Lynn Addition, now called Central Avenue, together for 65 years.

Rosalene loved the Bible from a young age and was a role model in her community, her church, and for her family. Her childhood pastors, visiting missionaries and family all helped to cultivate a deep impression of faith in her heart. She was a lay speaker, evangelist, witness, teacher, Bible School volunteer, homeroom mother, field trip chaperone, Undershepherd, and Children's Christmas program adviser. She loved to grow herbs, study nutrition, and cook. Blessed with a generous spirit, she enjoyed giving gifts to all, especially her grandchildren. Rosalene was a member of the Belmont Garden Club and helped plant flowers to beautify the town. She often stood by Hilles's side when he was leading scouts, helping students, chaperoning the prom, and enjoyed sporting events. She served in the Jacobsburg, Belmont, and Mount Zion churches, and preferred gospel music; occasionally she would play Irish music or dance a polka with Hilles. Lover of prayer, friends, and fresh coffee, she radiated love to all that knew her. A trip to Ireland with Hilles, her brother Ron, and sister-in-law Judy (Crumbaker) Bovenizer remained as one of her most treasured memories.

Though she suffered from chronic health issues, she maintained the belief that everyone has a special purpose. She wanted all people, especially those suffering, to know that life is beautiful and worth living.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Hilles Glenn Kemp, her son, Hilles Gregory Kemp, her parents, Leland W. and Bertha Eliza Groves Bovenizer, 2 infant brothers, Leland Sylvan and Leland Wayne Bovenizer, sister, Eleanor Bovenizer Gillespie, brother, Dr. Eldred  R. "Bob" Bovenizer and his wife Marjory, treasured in- laws, Clifford, Hazel, Wayne, Starling and Faye Kemp and numerous precious loved ones and friends through the years, especially great niece, Amy Kemp Kerker,  and James and Lucas James Kerker.

Rosalene is survived by her daughter, Rosemarie E. (Bruce) Mehl of Belmont, their daughters Micahlene (John) Williams, and Veronica Mehl, daughter-in-law, Ann Kemp in addition to Greg and Ann's children, Julianna (Rocky) Hise, G. Elijah (Dana) Kemp, Jeremiah (S. "Fran") Kemp, Hillery (Jeff) Lucas, Isaiah Kemp, Olivia (Aaron) Bolt, Michaela (Anthony) Paree, Hosanna Kemp (Chris Lambert). Great grandchildren include Ben, Ella, Gideon, and Makenna Hise, Bonnie, Lucy and Millie Kemp, Noah, Levi, Caleb, and Ezekiel Lucas, Axel Paree, and Evan Williams. Also surviving are her brother, Ronald (Judith) Bovenizer,  and brother-in-law, Robert Gillespie, nieces Elaine (Scott) Wilson and Joan (Nick) Precilio, Sandra (Dan) Mumma, Susan (Mike) Duffy, Melanie (Nick) Kroger, Erika (Jurek) Grodzki, Natalie (Tyler) Cromwell, and nephews, Gary (Robyn) Kemp, Douglas (Delores) Kemp and their families, close friends, Eileen Wise, and also Kevin and Cindi Fisher, Marilyn Britton, Jennifer Webb, Dee Blake, Carolyn Mort, church friends, Centerville Ladies Group, Ruth Hart, and visiting pastors. We are grateful and wish to thank neighbors, family, friends, caregivers, and nurses at home, Emerald Pointe, and Wheeling Hospital with special thanks to Dr. Himalaya Patcha.

Friends and family are welcome to visit during calling hours on Wednesday, November 20 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Thursday, November 21 from Noon until time of service at 2 p.m. at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville by Pastor Tim Snyder of Bethesda Christian Church and Rev. Robert Nagy of Stone Presbyterian. Burial will follow in Belmont Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, charity, or medical research of your choice. Those wishing to share a fond memory or their condolences, visit www.toothmanfuneralhome.com.