Rosemary Francois, 99, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, June 30, 2023, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Rosemary Myatt was born on February 15, 1924 in rural Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ralph and Sarah Estella (Campbell) Myatt.  She attended the Red Schoolhouse Country School and graduated from Maquoketa High School in 1941 where she served as the class treasurer.  In 1942, she attended Maquoketa Junior College, and later in that same year she married James Keith Francois on November 7, 1942 in Dallas, Texas.  Keith preceded her in death on January 30, 2008.

While Keith was attending school at the Dallas Aviation School, Rosemary worked at the Dallas Aviation School.  After aviation school Keith was transferred to North American Aviation in Kansas City and they both worked for North American Aviation until World War II ended.  They then returned home to Maquoketa, and she worked at the J.C. Penney Store and at Jackson State Bank in Maquoketa.  She also assisted her husband with his photography business.  She then became a mother to three boys: James, Nickolas, and Barry.

Rosemary was a member of the United Church of Christ in Maquoketa.  She enjoyed playing cards, reading, and traveling.  In her younger years she was an avid bowler and had been a member of area bowling leagues.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, James K. Francois II of Maquoketa, IA, Nickolas Francois of Maquoketa, IA, and Barry (Connie) Francois of Maquoketa, IA; 6 grandchildren, Sarah, Jake, Jon, Josh, Nikko, and Jasmine (and husband Michael Parker); and 2 great-grandchildren, Brennen, and Stella.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Ralph and John “Jack” Myatt, and sisters Evelyn Gump and Joan Crawford.

A public graveside service and burial celebrating her life will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.  A private family visitation will be held.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Rosemary Francois memorial fund has been established.

Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.