Rose Marie Hamilton-Flies

Rose Marie Hamilton-Flies, 73, of rural Westmoreland, peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026. She was a long-time resident of the community.

Rosie was born September 13, 1952, in Concordia, Kansas, the daughter of Clarence and Alice (Ball) Hamilton. She graduated high school in 1970 from Scandia, Kansas.

Rosie enjoyed the farm life and over her lifetime raised cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, and chickens. Off the farm, she worked many different jobs. Rosie was a bulldozer operator, a crew supervisor for Big Lakes in Manhattan, the first office manager for the Pottawatomie County Landfill, and was on the Cardinal Lawn Crew in Topeka. She also butchered chickens, was a meat wrapper at the St. Marys locker plant, a ceramic shop detail artist painter and taught liquid embroidery painting. She helped develop an ethnic market, selling sheep and goats, as well as helped her brother Ed develop the first Pottawatomie County animal control business. Rosie spent many years selling her eggs, fresh veggies, and baked goods at the Westy Farmer’s Market. She also worked at the Westy Care Home, was part of the township fire department and a driver for the ambulance service.

Rosie was very involved in her community. She belonged to the Flint Hills Floozies and the Red Hat Society and helped start local chapters. She was a founder of the Ladies Prayer and Share group, helping any community member in need of a funeral dinner. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Westmoreland. Rosie was involved with the Kansas Fur Harvesters Association and served as Secretary for both the district and state organizations. Rosie also helped start the Big Idea Group and was fond of her participation in FCE (Family and Community Education). Rosie taught craft classes at Bible School and helped with the Boy Scouts. She also served on the Westmoreland election board and was a member of the Westmoreland Area Chamber.

Rosie loved her quiet life on her farm on Spring Creek. She enjoyed caring for the calves she helped raise each summer, feeding the birds (especially the hummingbirds), and dearly loved her Treeing Walker coonhound, Sissy. She grew flowers and herbs and loved baking bread, which she mostly gave away to friends. Rosie had a love for learning and was extremely well-read.

Rosie married Dale Wege on July 24, 1970. They were later divorced. She then married William Flies on February 3, 1991. Bill preceded her in death on May 1, 1991 - just two days shy of their three-month anniversary.

Rosie is survived by her children (her most proud accomplishment in life): Chris Wege (Ashley) and Sara Wege (Kenny Wheeler), both of Westmoreland, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. In addition to her parents, Rosie was preceded in death by both of her brothers, Max Hamilton and Ed Hamilton.

A private graveside service will be held at Spring Creek Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home and a designation will be decided later. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com. Rosie (in her loving way) also suggested two other contribution ideas: “Take a friend for ice cream or coffee and Count Your Blessings”!