Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Rose Elizabeth Bumgarner died June 26 at 81. She was born Elizabeth Alice Bumgarner on Oct. 4, 1930, in Springfield, Ohio, the daughter of Clarence and Louise (Garry) Bumgarner. Sr. Rose Elizabeth Bumgarner was a Sister of Charity for 63 years.

She was taught by the Sisters of Charity from first through 12th grades at St. Joseph and Catholic Central High School in Springfield, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1962. Sr. Rose Elizabeth began her teaching ministry at St. Saviour in Cincinnati in 1950.

Sr. Rose Elizabeth’s 30-year education ministry took her to Guardian Angel, Detroit (1951-53, 1956-57); St. Helen, Saginaw (1953-56); Queen of Martyrs, Birmingham (1957-60), St. Michael, Findlay, Ohio, (1960-66); St. Raphael, Springfield, Ohio, (1966-68); and Holy Angels, Sidney, Ohio, (1968-80). The last 10 of those years she served as elementary principal.

Sr. Rose Elizabeth became a house mother for Birth, Education, Training and Acceptance (BETA), a nonprofit that aids pregnant young women in crisis in Orlando, Fla., and ministered in that capacity for the next 18 years.

Sr. Rose Elizabeth is survived by her sisters Ann Burr, Clairita Willmeth, Marty McHenry, Carole Ryan and Patt Whitewell as well as brothers Carl and Garry Bumgarner, along with many nieces and nephews. Her sister Mickey Bumgarner preceded her in death.

Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Rose Elizabeth Bumgarner was July 2 at the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Motherhouse, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio. Burial will be in the Sisters of Charity cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Sr. Rose Elizabeth Bumgarner’s name to the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Retirement Fund, 5900 Delhi Road, Mount St. Joseph, Ohio 45051.