Rosemary Ridl was born July 12, 1946 at Dickinson to Charles and Emma (Marsh) Ridl. Rosemary attended elementary school in New Hradec and completed high school at South Heart in 1964. After graduation, Rosemary moved to Spokane, Wash. where she worked for University Press at Gonzaga, Wash. After returning to North Dakota, Rosemary worked for the Dickinson Press.
Rosemary met her future mate, Steve Demaniow at a wedding dance at the HiWay Inn. They were married February 14, 1966 at St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Belfield. Rosemary and Steve lived on a farm and ranch north of Belfield in Billings County. Rosemary embraced the Ukrainian heritage. She learned to speak and write the language and learned how to make the colorful Easter eggs, she even taught herself how to play the bandura, a Ukrainian musical instrument and did so beautifully. She was active in the church, participating in many activities to include the production of “Messiah”.
Rosemary tried many different jobs and hobbies. She worked as a Fuller Brush dealer, cook, waitress, sign painter, graphic artist, and musician. She taught colored pencil art, wheat weaving, and calligraphy. In 1979 Rosemary started her own business in Belfield, Not 1/2 Bad.
In her spare time, Rosemary enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, crossword puzzles, cryptograms, playing piano, and going on walks with her dog, Pepsi. Rosemary was looking forward to a trip to Rome so she was attempting to learn Italian. Rosemary was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church where she played the organ and piano, and occasionally sang in the choir. Her strong faith in the Lord inspired her to compose a Mass which she entitled, “Glory to God”. She was also a member of St. Regina’s Guild, Badlands Art Association, and the Ukrainian Cultural Institute.
Rosemary is survived by her husband, Steve, one brother, Ronald (Jean) Ridl, Fargo; two sisters, Marge (Leo) Aspenleiter, Spokane, Wash. and Grace (Warren) Rhodes, Clark, S.D.; her constant companion and pal, Pepsi; “adopted” son George (Tami) Hurt, Belfield; numerous nieces and nephews; four wonderful god children; many aunts, uncles, and cousins and many special “angels” who helped and gave comfort, prayer, and encouragement to Rosemary.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Bridget and one brother-in-law, Laudie Havelka. Rosemary’s motto: “Any day above ground is a good day”. Rosemary was a talented and courageous lady. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial be given in Rosemary’s name to: Relay for Life of Stark County, PO Box 1472, Dickinson, ND 58602.
