Rosemarie Elizabeth Bily

Rosemarie Elizabeth (Rauscher) Bily, of Asheville, North Carolina, entered into eternal peace on July 8, 2026, at Solace Hospice in Asheville. She was 95. Her beloved husband of 73 years, James (Jim) Bily, was at her bedside when she passed peacefully. Rosemarie is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Patty Zevallos (Julio), Raymond (Margaret), Andy, Kevin, Glenn, and Susie Dirks (Bill); her cherished grandchildren, Rita Zevallos, Ana Zevallos, and Juniper Dirks; and her beloved sisters, Cecilia (Tim) Marcy and Patricia (Ray) O'Leary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Rauscher, and her four brothers. Rosemarie was born on August 3, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank and Mary Rauscher. She was the fourth of seven children and grew up during the Great Depression, learning from her parents the values of perseverance, hard work, thrift, and finding joy regardless of circumstances. Her father worked for the U.S. Postal Service at the Sears distribution center in Chicago, while her mother devoted herself to raising their family. Some of Rosemarie's happiest childhood memories included riding Chicago's buses and trolleys to North Avenue Beach and attending Cubs baseball games. She attended a Catholic high school, where she earned her tuition by working in the school store. Blessed with an exceptional aptitude for mathematics, she could total purchases in her head without the aid of a calculator. Rosemarie attended the University of Dayton, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Science and Mathematics Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Jim. Both were members of the university marching band—Rosemarie as a flag bearer and Jim playing percussion and brass. Long bus rides to football games gave them the opportunity to get to know one another. After Jim first visited her family, her mother later remarked with a smile, "That's the best one you've ever brought home." Rosemarie and Jim married and built a remarkable life together centered on faith, family, and service. She began her career as a high school mathematics and chemistry teacher. While raising their six children, she devoted many years primarily to her family, always encouraging learning, curiosity, and independence. She tutored her children, supported their interests, and made certain they had every opportunity to succeed. In 1971, Jim and Rosemarie packed their four oldest children into a moving truck and embarked on a new adventure, relocating from the Chicago area to Asheville, North Carolina. Though leaving family behind was difficult, the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains drew them, and Asheville became the home where they welcomed two more children and spent the rest of their lives together. Rosemarie was, above all, a lifelong learner and an extraordinarily hard worker. There seemed to be no project she was unwilling to tackle. Whether building a deck, sewing upholstery and draperies, painting, gardening, or repairing something around the house, she approached every task with determination and confidence. Her interests were as broad as they were deep. She loved music, painting, gardening, and reading. Books were always stacked around the house, often several being read at once. As an accomplished speaker, she earned Toastmasters International's prestigious Distinguished Toastmaster award and spent many years mentoring and encouraging others through public speaking. Her creativity found another outlet through writing. She authored and published a series of imaginative science fiction novels, blending elements of science, fantasy, and the American West. She often said she didn't invent the stories herself—the characters simply told her what to write. Rosemarie's commitment to serving others continued throughout her life. She was a longtime member and officer of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), volunteered as an educator with the Buncombe County Department of Corrections, tutored and substituted at St. Eugene Catholic School and Asheville Catholic Central School, and became a Master Gardener who led volunteer gardening and landscape efforts at St. Eugene Catholic Church. She was also a business entrepreneur whose curiosity and determination led her into many successful endeavors. Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of St. Eugene Catholic Church, where she worshipped faithfully for many years. Her faith was both deep and thoughtful. While she approached questions of faith with a practical and inquisitive mind, her love for Christ, her respect for the Church, and her commitment to living its teachings never wavered. Those who knew her saw her faith expressed not only in prayer, but in a lifetime of service, kindness, generosity, and quiet leadership. Rosemarie will be remembered for her remarkable intelligence, endless curiosity, creativity, generosity, unwavering work ethic, and the joy and encouragement she brought to everyone around her. She inspired her family not only through what she accomplished, but by the example she lived every day. Her spark, wisdom, and gentle strength will be profoundly missed. A Funeral Mass celebrating Rosemarie's life will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28804, with Father Sebastian Umouyo officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.

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Rosemarie Elizabeth Bily

August 3, 1930 - July 8, 2026