Rosa Lee Miller

Rosa Lee Starling Ward-Miller, 87, of Columbus, Ohio, was born to the late James and Edna Starling on July 19, 1936, in Maybeury, West Virginia and entered into eternal rest on October 18, 2023.

Rosa’s life was marked by an undying devotion to her family, her devout faith to Christ and her strong work ethic. Immediately following her high school years, she married her sweetheart, Alfred Ward, Sr. where they began their life’s journey of selfless dedication to raising their seven children together.

In addition to her commitment to her family, during her earlier years, she was employed as a Registered Nurse for the Columbus State Hospital; and during her later years, she entered the food production industry, where she retired from The Ohio Packing Company in Columbus, Ohio.

Outside of her professional life, she found great joy in creating wonderful memories every chance she could by cooking for her family, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rosa was well-rounded and found passion in many of life’s simple pleasures. She had an immaculate green thumb and enjoyed gardening and tending to her plants in her spare time. She loved shopping and interior decorating, leaving every room she touched more beautiful than before. She was an avid sports fan, and never missed watching a ball game or boxing match.

Rosa was a woman of grace, an embodiment of resilience, strength, and a true definition of self. She was a compassionate woman who always provided unwavering amounts of insight, guidance and encouragement to her family and friends. Her home was always full of love and always open to anyone in need. Her huge heart and compassion for others left an incredible impact and indelible mark on anyone that ever crossed her path.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Ward Sr.; sisters, Loretta Starling Penn and Isabelle “Freda” Starling Preston; brothers, James R. Starling and Harry F. Starling; three beloved children; daughter, Linda Ward; and two sons, Randy Ward and Alfred (Diane) Ward Jr., and her beautiful grand-daughter, Jamecia “Mimi” Evette Ward.

Rosa was a beautiful, generous, loving and kind soul. Her infectious smile lit up any room she entered. Her spunk and liveliness candor will be dearly missed. As we say goodbye to our Matriarch, let us remember her remarkable influence, her commitment, unconditional love, and dedication to her family. Her listening ear and her ability to provide comfort, strength and beautiful wisdom when we needed it the most, will never be forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace and her memory, along with the incredible legacy she built, live on in the hearts of everyone she touched throughout her life.

Rosa is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory, her four loving children, Audie, Jerry, Rosetta, and Tonya Ward of Columbus, Ohio; cherished sister, Reverend Betty Jean Hairston of Charlotte, North Carolina; bonus children, Darvelle (Melissa) Ward, Deidre (Shannon) Hayes, and Brandy Ward of Columbus, Ohio; special cousin, Ms. Mae Frances “Pete” Mapp of Columbus, Ohio; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, over 100 great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many dear friends.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Power in Glory, 122 W. Church Street, Pickerington, OH 43147.

Interment at Eastlawn Cemetery.