Velmarose “Rose” McCormick, 103, of Ossian and formerly of Bluffton passed away Saturday evening, July 25, 2026, at Ossian Health Care.
Rose was born on March 9, 1923, in Wells County to Clarence D. and Lela (Hollon) Risser. She graduated from Petroleum High School and sang in the church choir growing up.
On Oct. 4, 1945, Rose and Herman F. McCormick were married. Rose worked alongside her husband at the family grocery store in Murray for many years. She also worked at the Canning Factory in Bluffton, Murphy’s 5 and Dime store, the Montgomery Ward store and the Wells County Treasurer’s Office. Rose was a member of the Eastern Star and the Parlor City Country Club, where she enjoyed golfing. She loved to garden and raise her roses. She liked to travel and also winter in Florida. Rose was an avid seamstress, often making clothes for herself and her daughter, and she made doll clothing. Farkle was her favorite dice game and she was able to play it right up until the end, always winning, of course.
Survivors include her daughter, Janis K. (Howard) Jones of Bluffton, a niece, Melanie Shady of Ossian, and a sister-in-law, Marlene Risser of Bluffton, along with many other nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 72 years, Herman, a daughter, Vicky Jean McCormick, and her siblings, Paul Risser, Wilma Jean Gilbert, Edward Risser and Kent Risser.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton with Pastor Peter N. Fairchild officiating.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, prior to the funeral service.
A private family burial will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.
The family prefers memorials made to First Baptist Church, instead of sending flowers and gifts.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends are welcome to share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.