Rosella E Lankford

Rosella Elizabeth (Primus) Lankford, age 93, of Evansville, passed away Friday, January 22, 2016 at Bethel Manor surrounded by her children. She was born on December 10, 1922 in St. Thomas in Vincennes, IN to Ignaz and Jane Primus. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John Lankford in 2011, her daughter, Marty Wildeman in 2001, a son-in-law, Don Deer in 2011, two brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her son, Steve (Mare) Lankford of Evansville and two daughters, Beckie Deer of McLeansboro, IL and Connie (Alvin) Scheller of Evansville. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Amy Lankford, John Lankford, Doug Deer, Kristi Deer, Lori Nottingham, Jon Wildeman, Malissa Burgdorf, Sarah Foreman and Jamie Hawkins and fifteen great grandchildren. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was devoted to her catholic faith and loved going to church every morning. You would often see her kneeling before the crucifix in her kitchen and surrounded by her family around her bed at night. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rev. Jason Gries officiating. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery in Vincennes. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Monday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Friends may also visit with the family from 10:30 A.M. until service time Tuesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Their home was always open to family and friends and they never met a stranger who did not become a friend. She loved to bake and made the most beautiful pies you would ever see. They lived most of their lives on the west side of Evansville. She worked at Mater Dei High School for eighteen years. After her retirement she volunteered at the Ozanam Family Shelter for ten years along side her niece, Jane Lambert. Rosella was a fifty one year survivor of breast cancer. Along with her husband, John, they were founding members of the Tri-State Model A Club. She always loved and adored her daddy. Her mother died when she was two years old so she was anxious to meet her in Heaven. We would like to thank all her caregivers at home, especially Gina Clark. Rosella received very loving care from all the staff on the Ivy Unit at Bethel Manor. They all quickly became part of our family and loved her as much as we did. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ozanam Family Shelter, 1100 Read Street, Evansville, IN 47710.

Rosella E Lankford

December 10, 1922 - January 22, 2016