Rosemary Lienhart

Rosemary Waterworth Lienhart, 90, of Muskogee died Feb. 20, 2023, at St. Frances Hospital, Muskogee, surrounded by family. Rosemary was born Aug. 27, 1932, in Ottawa, Ill., to Michael and Frances (Pavlin) Laken. Her birth name was Barbara Jean Laken. At the age of 22 months, she was adopted by Bill and Tena Waterworth of Ottawa, Ill. She received her elementary education at St. Columba Catholic School in Ottawa, Ill., and her high school education at Hot Springs High School in Hot Springs, Ark. She earned an associate’s degree from Connors State College, Warner, in 1988. Rosemary married U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles John Lienhart of Conway, Ark., on Oct. 8, 1951, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hot Springs, Ark. The couple moved to Okmulgee in 1955 and later made their home in Muskogee in 1965. To this union, 11 children were born: Theresa (Steve) Williamson of Grand Junction, Colo.; Charles John Lienhart Jr. of Muskogee; Margaret (Keith) Graham of Haskell; Jane (Doug) White of Fort Worth, Texas; Victor (Debbie) Lienhart of Bixby; Rose Anna (Roy) Webb of Haskell; Monica Staton of Norman; Edward (Sherry) of Muskogee; Judy (Oren) Sikes of Muskogee; Christine (Dwayne) Rury of Tulsa; and Rita (Erik) McEwin of Owasso. She was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. After the death of her husband, Rosemary returned to the workforce and was employed by Muskogee Regional Medical Center from 1972 until her retirement in 1997. She worked in the Medical Information Department for 10 years and then managed the Cancer Registry for 15 years. Rosemary received her Cancer Registrar’s Certification in 1987. She served as president of the Oklahoma Cancer Registrars Association and received the Distinguished Member Award in 1996. She was also a member of the National Cancer Registrars Association and presented workshops at national meetings. Rosemary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Muskogee, participating in many areas of church life. She was an active member of the church choir and taught religious education classes. A devoted wife and mother, Rosemary enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, sewing and gardening. Preceding her in death were her husband (July 5, 1970), parents and three sisters, Catherine Laken Gray, Margaret Laken Connell and Theresa Laken LaVanway. Surviving her are all her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended family members. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 323 N. Virginia, Muskogee, followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Pallbearers will be Rosemary’s grandsons. Committal services and interment will be at a later date at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph School Endowment Trust, 323 N. Virginia, Muskogee, OK 74403. Arrangements are by Clifford D. Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson.

Rosemary Lienhart

August 27, 1932 - February 20, 2023