Rose Adair Rhodes

Rosa Mae Adair was born in Cynthiana, KY, on January 19, 1934, to the late Rodney li. Adair and Jesserina Brent Williams. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and love. Kose, as she was known, was called home to glory on October 14, 2025, at the Liberty Nursing Center of Colerain.

Rose’s life was a reflection of her unwavering devotion to her family and her Lord.

She was a loving wife to Robert J. Rhodes, her husband until his passing. Her children, Mary K. Wade, Kym Layne-Rhodes, and Carol Y. Robinson, were the center of her world, and her grandson, Robert J. Robinson, brought her immense joy. Rose’s talents were many – she was a skilled homemaker, an exceptional cook, a gifted seamstress, a talented upholsterer, and a nurturing gardener.

Known affectionately as Rosa Mae, Birdie, and Rosebud, she was a product of the Harrison County School System. Her faith journey began at an early age when she accepted Christ at Macedonia Baptist Church in Cynthiana, KY. She later became a pillar of The Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully for over 50 years. Rose served wherever needed, including the Tribe of Asher, Pastor’s Aide and the Decorating Committee. Philippians 4:11-13 was her guiding scripture: ” …for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”

Through her faith, Rose embodied strength, humility, and peace. Her dedication to serving others was evident in her work as a nurse’s aide at Children’s Hospital and later as a caregiver for her many loved ones. She broke barriers as one of the first keypunch operators, working for prominent companies and paving the way for others.

Rose was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter Carol, son Kym, sisters Cathy and Alma, and brothers Charles Lewis, Richard, Joseph and William.

Rose’s legacy extends far beyond her remarkable career. She leaves behind a family that loved her dearly, including her daughter Mary “Kay” Wade (Dennis), grandson Robert J. Robinson, sister Cheryl Martin (Pete) of Lexington KY, brothers Don Adair of Ramona GA, Alan Adair of Chesapeake VA, sister-in-law Nell Rhodes, nieces Rae Roberts of Paris KY, Crystal Roberts of Lexington KY, Erin Martin of Atlanta GA, Lisa Williams-Avery of Cynthiana KY, nephews Ronald Rhodes Bar-bara) of Rome NY, Anthony Williams of Lexington KY, Corey Appleby, special friends Lena Washington Gordon of Milford OH, Betty Banks of Lake Elsinore CA, Angie Brooks, Phyllis Culbreath and a host of cousins, “bonus” family, and dear friends. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and perseverance.

Rose will be deeply missed, but her memory will inspire all who knew her.

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