Rosemary May

Rosemary Howard May, age 71, of Covington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on September 27, 2025.

Rosemary was born on November 27, 1953, to the late Carl and Mary Howard. She grew up singing , playing piano and bass guitar at her church in Newport, Kentucky. Alongside her father, she performed in the bluegrass gospel band, The Kentucky Gospel Trio, which produced two albums and touched many lives with their faith-filled music.

She graduated from Newport High School in 1971, achieving gold ropes for high academic performance. She later went on to start her career where she dedicated more than 40 years as a paralegal secretary for attorney William T. Robinson III.

Of all her many roles in life, her greatest accomplishments were being a devoted wife of 50 years to her husband, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. She poured her heart and soul into the love of her family. She treasured every moment spent together, especially with her four grandchildren, Caleb, Makailynn, Wesson and Brantley. She also enjoyed sewing, embroidering and quilting with her sister Carlene.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Gary May; and her sister, Carlene Guilkey.

She will be deeply missed by her three daughters, Tara (Wiley) Stewart, Glenna (Jeff Houp) May, and Nicole (Frank) Ballinger; her grandchildren, Caleb (Rachel) May, Makailynn Ballinger, Wesson Ballinger and Brantley Stewart; and her chihuahua, Addy.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Linneman Funeral Homes in Erlanger, Kentucky. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Rosemary’s legacy of music, love and devotion to her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.