Cover for Rose Etta Sears's Obituary

Rose Etta Sears

Aug 24, 1935 — Nov 3, 2026

Corbin, Kentucky

Rose Etta Sears, age 91, born on August 24, 1935, in Barbourville, Kentucky, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Laurel Heights in London, Kentucky.

Rose's life was a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of love. She dedicated her life to serving others with grace and compassion first at Hillcrest Nursing Home, where she worked in the cafeteria, and later at Lynn Camp School. Her gentle spirit and warm smile brought comfort to all who crossed her path. A devoted member of the Lily Holiness Church, Rose found joy in her church family and was a steadfast volunteer at the church's food pantry.

In her personal life, Rose had a profound love for nature and creativity. Her garden was a vibrant testament to her nurturing spirit, blossoming with the same vibrancy she brought to the lives of those around her. She found solace and joy in her flower-filled gardens and the rhythmic hum of a sewing machine, where countless pieces were lovingly crafted. In her younger years, she embraced the great outdoors, creating memories through camping adventures that were shared with family and friends.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, Oval Robert Hutton and Ida Mary Robinson Hutton; her son, Thomas Michael McCreary; brother, Clifton Hutton; sisters, Faye Hembree, Mabel Irene Broughton, and Matha Broughton; and by a granddaughter, Shawna Michelle McCreary.

She is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Doolin (Robert), Gwen Smith (Keith), Rose Mary McCreary, Judy McCreary; and Pamela Ammerman (Duane); sister, Phyllis Bargo; grandchildren, Tonya Hayre (Ron), Eric Rogers (Jessica), Lisa Dozier (Nick), Shane Hubbs (Mindy), Kayla Filiatreau (Tyler), Steven Smith (Amy), April Patterson (Jason), Jessica Davis, Whitney McDaniel (Travis), Stephanie Jones (Alex), and Travis McCreary (Lisa); 26 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson; and by many nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Visitation will be on Thursday November 5, 2026, from 12noon until the time of her funeral service at 2:00pm at the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, with Rev. Ryan Osborne officiating.

Burial will follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Lily, KY.

Messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Thursday, November 5, 2026

12:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home

607 Master St., Corbin, KY 40701

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home

607 Master St., Corbin, KY 40701

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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