Rose Page, 1922 -2013

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Rose Page
Rose Page

Rose Ahlean McCormick Page, 91, of Batesville, passed away at her home on December 6, 2013, surrounded by her family.

Rose was born on August 25, 1922, in Fairfield, Virginia—a place fond in her memories that she spoke of often.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hansford McCormick and Mamie McCormick LeFever and her step father Lawrence LeFever. Rose was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Page, Jr. and her brothers Robert McCormick and R.H. “Mac” McCormick.

She is survived by her sister Anna Bell McChesney of Waynesboro. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Charles T. Page, III and wife Leslie Andrus and her daughter Martha Page Fairlamb and husband Currie; her niece Abby Baird and husband Tim of Richmond; and a large, loving extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

After graduating from Fairfield High School, she attended Dunsmore Business College. She then moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the United States War Production Board while living with her relatives Rose and Frank LeFever. She returned to Virginia to marry Charles T. Page, Jr. on December 28, 1942.

From that point through her retirement in 1994, she partnered with her husband Charles and his family to run Page’s Store in Batesville, where her career as a store owner and “Matriarch” of Batesville began. Many Batesvillians and family members can recall “Mrs. Page” wearing her Page’s Store apron and standing on the front porch of the store, makings sure all in town was in order.

Not only was Rose instrumental in her community leadership, but she also worked tirelessly in the Batesville Post Office and even served as a substitute teacher at the Batesville School.

She helped run the store, most nights remaining there until after midnight; supported her husband in his role as Batesville Postmaster for many years when the Post Office was inside the store; and managed the store’s finances. (She often proudly recalled the time when an auditor visited to review her books and noted, “Mrs. Page, you leave a trail anyone can follow.”) With her vision and support from her son, family, and dear friends and neighbors, she helped Batesville to continue to thrive to be the special village it is. Rose’s partnership with the family helped the store to continue to thrive and to be a heart of the community for its 80 year legacy. She loved the town of Batesville and the people—locals and newcomers alike.

Rose was also the registrar for the Batesville voting precinct for many years and took great pride in this role, helping to run a tight ship and fair elections. She was instrumental in keeping the precinct from moving out of Batesville during the period of 1971 – 1986, by allowing the voting to take place in one of her houses. Rose and her family have welcomed the community to use their field for such events as the annual Christmas Carol Sing and the Batesville Ruritan Club’s annual events, such as Batesville Day and Apple Butter Day.

A private graveside service was held. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.