Rosalie Wood

Rosalie Wood, of Upper Sandusky, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning at the age of 86. After years of battling Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease, she was no longer the powerhouse spitfire most knew her to be. But she will always be remembered for her entrepreneurial spirit, unbreakable faith, servant heart, and infectious laugh.

Born November 15, 1925, in Benton, Ohio, to Russell and Celma (Walcutt) Shedenhelm, Rosie was one of three children. In December of 1944, she married William E. Wood from Upper Sandusky. In 1949, they embarked on a lifelong entrepreneurial adventure that started with Wood's Coffee Shop.

Later, in 1965, Rosie and Bill opened Wood's Steer Barn. Rosie divided her time between front of house and the kitchen, where she created dishes that are still on the menu today, including carrot-raisin salad, garlic toast, and the odd-yet-delicious pea and peanut salad.

After many years of success, Rosie and Bill sold the Steer Barn, planning to retire from the restaurant business. But they couldn't stay away. So, in 1988, they built and opened Woody's Restaurant.

Rosie was known for her culinary talent, impeccable taste, and her ability to create a warm family atmosphere for every customer she met and served. Throughout her career and life, she was part of many fond family memories created around the dining tables at her restaurants. Every customer was a friend.

Rosie was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her sister, Wanda Shedenhelm Maskey (Benton), her brother, Robert Shedenhelm (Shelby) as well as her loving husband, William, and son, William Jr. She is survived and will be greatly missed by her daughter, Pati, son-in-law, Bob, three grandchildren Jacob, Megan (Jason) Myers, and Alex (Lori) Bardon, and seven great-grandchildren Jacobi, Will, Grant, Laine, Joben, Lincoln, and Noah.

A private family graveside service will be held later this week with Pastor Brad McKibben officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lucas-Batton Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Church of Christ in care of Lucas-Batton Funeral Home.