Rosamary Bates Stiles, age 75, of Murphy, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in a Gainesville, Ga., hospital.
She was a native of Murphy, but had lived in Atlanta, Ga., for about nine years before moving back to Murphy in 1974. Rosamary and her husband then opened West Grocery Store and later opened Stiles Superette, making a total of over 30 years of ownership. She also was a real estate broker.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Murphy, where she worked with the Sparrow’s Nest and in the food kitchen.
She enjoyed working with her flowers, cooking and spending time with her dog, Skylind.
She was the daughter of the late Carl T. and Mae James Bates, and wife of the late David Gilbert Stiles, to whom she was married for 43 years. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Carlene Bates Hankinson.
Surviving are a daughter, Kimberly L. Stiles of Murphy; two grandchildren, Julie Hefley of Albemarle, and Hannah Byers and husband Dusty of Blairsville, Ga.; and a great-grandchild, Arabella Jacobs.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, with the Rev. Eddis Dockery officiating. The interment was in Sunset Cemetery. Pallbearers were Haven Stiles, Edwin James, Dusty Byers, Garrett Hatley, Steve Johnson and Keith Heard. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Stiles, Harry Stiles, T.N. Bates, Crae Bates and Michael Stiles.
The family received friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, prior to the services.
The family requests memorials be made in memory of Rosamary Stiles to First Baptist Church of Murphy, 517 Hiwassee St., Murphy, NC 28906.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy, was in charge of all arrangements.
An online guest register is available at www.iviefuneralhome.com.