For RoseMary Ayala, family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. She loved to be surrounded by her family, and loved spending her time being a wife, mother and grandmother to the people who brought her life immeasurable joy. Her strong sense of right and wrong instilled lifelong values in her children.

The Great Depression dominated American life in the 1930s, an event that took its toll on everything from the largest factory to the smallest family. By the end of the decade, however, World War II would revive the economy and bring American’s closer together. Despite the hardships of

the time, George and Faye Wahmhoff of Plainwell, Michigan had something wonderful to celebrate. On March 1, 1936, the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their first child, a beautiful daughter they named RoseMary. As time went by, RoseMary was joined by six brothers and one sister, which undoubtedly filled the Wahmhoff home with lots of love, laughter and activity.

RoseMary was born and raised on her family’s small onion farm in rural Plainwell. Her parents both worked hard as farmers, so as RoseMary got older, it became part of her responsibilities to help care for her younger siblings, something she performed with great pride. Her strong motherly instincts were honed at an early age and prepared her for her own family. RoseMary received her education in the local schoolhouse on Marsh Road, but once the school day was done, she went home to work in the fields. She went on to graduate from Plainwell High School in 1955, and she also attended Marywood Academy prior to graduating.

RoseMary was still in high school when she fell in love with Armando Ayala, a foreman who worked on their farm. Armando was hopelessly in love with RoseMary too, but he told her that they would not marry until she finished high school. Happily, on September 24, 1955, RoseMary walked down the aisle and married her beloved Armando. Over the next several

years, the couple filled their hearts and home with the joy and laughter of nine children: Angel, Gloria, Ester, Lupe, Irene, Georgeanna, Armando Jr., Francisca and Concha. RoseMary loved being a mother, and was always an excellent example to her children. She taught them good habits and strong values that would guide them through their lives.

When RoseMary wasn’t spending time with her beloved family, she had several hobbies and activities she enjoyed. She loved to play the piano and accordion, watch the Weather Channel, and do crafts, like plastic canvas, crochet and cross-stitch. Just about every day, she wrangled someone into playing cards with her or doing a jigsaw or 3-D puzzle. After 45 years of marriage, RoseMary lost her beloved Armando in 2000. Soon after, she moved to Arkansas to live with her sister, which she enjoyed tremendously. When she began having health problems, RoseMary moved back to Plainwell to be near her children. She went to live at the Life Care Center in Plainwell, where her family said she received wonderful care, which they greatly appreciated. It was here that RoseMary passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at the age of 73.

RoseMary left her children with many great memories, but more importantly, she left them with the unforgettable example of what a good mother and grandmother can be.

She will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

RoseMary is survived by her nine children: Angel (Lorna) Ayala of Kalamazoo, Gloria (Wayne) Greer of Otsego, Ester (Adam) Morin of Grand Rapids, Lupe Guyton of Plainwell, Irene (Jim) Broadhurst of Plainwell,

Georgeanna Ayala of Plainwell, Armando Ayala, Jr. of Plainwell, Francisca Johnson of FL, Concha (Hector) Jimenez of Plainwell; 26 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by five brothers, one sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. RoseMary was preceded in death by her husband, Armando Sr., in 2000, her parents, one grandson and two brothers.

Learn more about RoseMary, view her Life Story film, visit with her family and friends and share light refreshments on Tuesday, September 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the same location.

Please visit RoseMary’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Care

Center of Plainwell.