Rodney Rosborough

Rodney Rosborough died peacefully on January 18, 2022 at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with lung disease. Despite the pain, Rodney stayed strong until the end with the love and support of his family, friends and neighbors. Services to honor him will be held at 11:00 am Monday, January 24, 2022 at Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah, ND. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Sunday January 23, 2022.

Rodney was born in Kittanning, PA on October 16, 1947 to Laird and Dorothy Rosborough, the third of four children. After graduating high school in 1965, Rodney went on to obtain a degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in 1969.

On September 14, 1968 Rodney married his wife of 53 years, Barbara Reesman, at the Methodist Church in Manorville, Pennsylvania. They made their first home in Cumberland, MD while Rodney worked for Nicholson Air Services as an airplane mechanic. On May 2, 1970, Rodney and Barbara welcomed their first child, Christopher. Their daughter Cynthia was born three years later on March 20, 1973. In 1974, the family relocated to Butler, PA for Rodney’s new job as an operator at Air Products.  On May 13, 1979, their third child Jacalyn joined the family. After securing a new job at Dakota Gasification, Rodney and his family moved to Beulah.  Rodney retired as a Maintenance Supervisor from DGC in 2014 after 31 years. He missed working with his crew and kept in touch with many of them over the years.

Rodney amassed an impressive collection of war books, NASCAR and western memorabilia. He could often be found watching old westerns, especially Gunsmoke or anything with John Wayne. Rodney spent countless hours hunting with his family and sharing life lessons. He was always quick to help a friend or neighbor or share a funny story over some bourbon. One of his greatest passions was researching family ancestors, knowledge he used to create an extensive record of his family tree which he proudly shared with his children and grandchildren.

Rodney, Rod, Pa, Papa – however you knew him, you were blessed to have done so. He was often quiet and reserved but known for his witty one-liners. He loved his family and they loved him. Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Rosborough; son, Christopher Rosborough (Sheri Johnson) of Beulah, ND; daughter, Cynthia (James) Anhorn, of Bismarck, ND, daughter, Jacalyn Rosborough (Joel Slater) of Bristol, IL; grandchildren, Ashlee (Ethan) Cunningham, Landon Anhorn, Tyler Rosborough, Ashten Anhorn and Garrett Rosborough; sister and brother-in-law, Olivia "Lib" (Martin) Erdley, Kittanning, PA; brother, Jeffrey Rosborough, North Palm Beach, FL; and sister-in-law, Pauline Rosborough, Kittanning, PA; one aunt, Mildred Rosborough, Shelocta, PA .

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to Sakakawea Hospice, 510 8th Ave NE Hazen, ND 58545. 

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