Download the Remembrance Book (PDF) - The National Fallen ...

Remembering
Rose Ann Woodbridge
Hanover Township Fire Department — Ohio
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter/EMT
Date of Death: July 28, 2006
Age: 56
Rose Ann Woodbridge thrived on the
fact that she was needed by so many
people. She devoted her life to being a
loving wife, mother, grandmother,
friend, and citizen of her community.
Married to Ray for nearly 37
years, they were frequently the
envy of newlyweds. Rose and
Ray were often seen holding
hands and taking hikes
on long weekend camping
trips. With her moral compass
as a guide, Rose helped
raise three daughters: Lori,
Kim, and Jennifer. She
spent as much time as possible
with her six grandchildren,
showing them
the value of hard work and
respect for elders by participating
together in outdoor
activities, 4-H, and sports.
Rose generously gave her love,
time, and money. She was a great
listener, and Rose’s friends always
knew they could count on her loyal
support. Most of her friends considered
Rose to be their best friend. A tireless promoter
of keeping the family together, she rose to the role of
family matriarch when her mother passed in 1987.
This effort was made considerably easier due to her
tremendous talent for cooking extravagant, homecooked,
holiday meals, which every family member
eagerly anticipated. Rose’s favorite times were the
holidays, especially Christmas. She spent the whole
year shopping for just the right gifts and loved decorating
her house and yard. She had an extravagant
display that she called “The Christmas Village.”
Rose served on the Reily Fire Department
Auxiliary for more than 30 years. At the age
of 50, she went back to school to join the
department as an EMT. In January
2003, she realized she could also
serve Hanover Township by being
available during the day when
most volunteers were working
other jobs. She later overcame
asthma, claustrophobia, and
a fear of heights to become
a firefighter for Hanover
Township. Following the
example of her father,
Charles Ashdown, former
Chief of Fairfield Fire
Department, Rose and several
other family members
took great pride in serving
their local communities on
the fire department.
Rose was a member of Queen
of Peace Catholic Church and a
life member of the ladies auxiliary
for Amvets Post 2. She also served the
Board of Elections year after year as a
poll worker.
Rose passed away Friday, July 28, 2006, when she lost
control of her vehicle on the way to another auto accident.
The funeral procession of more than 100 emergency
vehicles and 300 personal cars was an awesome
tribute to a wonderful woman. She touched so many
lives that more than 1,000 people surrounded the funeral
home for her visitation.
Her love of family, service to the community, and generosity
are sorely missed.