Rose Louise Maxwell Tillson, 90, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, July 25th at her home in Gilbertsville, KY. She is survived by seven of her children: George “Rusty” (Carole) of Gainesville, FL, Paul of Raymond, ME, Patrick (Tracey) of Wilmore, KY, Terry of Gilbertsville, KY, John (Lou) of Benton, KY, Robert (Barbie) of Gilbertsville, KY, and Lawrence (Linda) of Gypsum, CO; 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Francis Tillson, and one daughter, Leah Tillson Morgan.
Rose was born on August 15, 1927, in Portland, Maine to the late Charles Maxwell, Jr. and Louise Mathilda Johnson.
After graduating as valedictorian from Deering High School in Maine, Rose worked in quality control at the B&M Brick Oven Baked Bean Company in Portland. She also lived briefly in Long Island, NY, before returning to Maine where she earned a bachelor’s degree from Gorham State Teacher’s College (now the University of Southern Maine). As a student, she enjoyed acting in plays, performing songs, and developed lifelong friendships with a special group of women nicknamed the “Gorham Girls.” While working as a waitress she met George. Later, while George was serving in Florida during the Korean War, they began a year-long correspondence leading to their elopement on August 15, 1951, in Burlington, Vermont, on a train trip to a friend’s wedding. Rose taught school, raised their children, and, after they were grown, she worked as a towboat cook for Ingram Marine. When she retired, she and George ran Mainely Antiques, buying and selling antiques along the East coast. An avid reader, she enjoyed her book club, as well as homemaker’s group, Silver Sneakers exercise class, and birdwatching. She volunteered for the Humane Society and set the record for several years as the most senior volunteer for clean-up days at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park.
Arrangements are being handled by Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home in Paducah. Online condolences may be posted at pettusrowlandfh.com. She will be interred next to her husband in Thomaston, Maine.
Rose’s last wish was for family and friends to participate in a blood drive to collect 91 pints for her upcoming 91st birthday on August 15th. In lieu of flowers and to honor her wishes, the family requests that friends and loved ones donate blood between now and September 30, 2018 and document their donation by posting a picture on “Rose’s Last Wish” Facebook page. Those wishing to honor her memory but unable to donate blood are encouraged to make a financial donation to the American Red Cross.
Friends are invited to visit with family to celebrate Rose’s life at the Community Building near the entrance to Mike Miller Park on Monday, July 30th, 2018 between 5:30 and 8pm.
