Published on December 18, 2025 10:57 am
Last Updated on December 18, 2025 2:36 pm
Rosalee Charlene Swim (Benson), born August 4, 1928, the daughter of Arthur G. and Clara Gladys (Chezem) Benson, in the house she lived in. She left this temporary home on earth December 18, 2025.
Visitation will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 pm on Saturday December 20, 2025, at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Greenup with funeral services beginning at 8:30 pm. Family graveside services will be at 10:30am on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in the Greenup Cemetery.
Her lifelong husband Theo Quentin Swim passed February 2018. She is survived by three sons: Theo Shawn (Debi) Swim (Buena Vista, Virginia), Gregory Todd (Laura) Swim (South Barrington, Illinois), Christopher Lee (Jean) Swim (Huntertown, Indiana) and brother Jerald Benson (Mable) (Paris, Illinois). Rosalee also leaves 4 grandchildren Kyle Tyler (Blair) Swim, Tara Samantha (AJ) Soo Hoo, Porsha Ann (Matt) Montalbano and Ashley Benson (Kevin) McCammack. In addition, three great grandchildren Benson Tyler Swim, Jay Theo Soo Hoo and Charlie Jo Soo Hoo.
Rosalee and Theo both spent their entire lives (excl. military service) in Greenup, Illinois. They lived in the house Rosalee’s father (Arthur) built in 1927 from hardwoods he harvested from his farm. They spent summers at their vacation cabin in western Ontario. They loved fishing and for over 40 years hosted many family & friends. Rosalee was the world’s greatest mother to her family and many in the community. Never asking much for herself but always helping others. Rosalee lived by the motto “whatever does not kill you makes you stronger”. Her long life bears witness to this philosophy. Rosalee served as an election judge for over 50 years, served as a volunteer EMT for the Greenup ambulance service for many years and was active supporting Greenup Boy Scout Troop #58 and Little League Baseball. If the community needed a volunteer Rosalee was often there lending her help and support. She was a home to many stray cats and various animals that entered her world. Her care for and knowledge of the greater Greenup area was reflected in her virtual encyclopedic knowledge of the history and genealogy of Greenup and Cumberland County. She will be missed and remembered by many.
Memorials can be made to Cumberland County Animal Control: P.O Box 70 Toledo IL. 62468.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com