June Imus Rossi, lifelong resident of the Owens Valley passed away peacefully on January 16th, just a a couple weeks shy of her 95th birthday.  She shuddered at the thought of turning ninety-five.  She had always maintained that getting old was not for sissies.

  

June was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 3rd, 1913.  She was number three out of Hiram and Chloe Imus' six children.  She lived on a ranch in Arizona until she was 15 when her family moved to Big Pine.  That's where she met her husband of nearly 74 years, Maynard Rossi.  They loved and cared for each other in their home until his death on March 4th, 2005.  She was also preceded in death by four of her siblings, Jinx Imus, Ina Curtis, Hix Rossi, Frank Imus and her first grandson, Danny Rossi.  Her fifth sibling Ted Imus lives in Burns Lake, B.C.

June and Maynard were married on April 15th, 1931.  They had three boys, Ron, Duane and Dale.  Those three sons gave them 12 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren and more on the way!   

They were an entrepreneurial couple, owning many small business' up and down the Valley including cafes, bars, a feed store, a liquor store and a nursery.   Their hard work and strong values helped make the Rossi name one to be proud of.

June lived out her last few years at the Bishop Care Center where she was well known for her quick wit and her love of singing.  She had an uncanny gift of remembering all the words to most any old song you might name.  

June will be remembered as a hard working woman, a faithful wife, a dedicated mom and fun loving grandma who loved horses, family, flowers and harmonizing with Maynard.  

She recently asked her son if he'd seen "Pappy" lately.  To his negative reply she announced "I think I'll saddle up that ol' mare and go find him".   The last chore on her list.  I'd like to think she's found him. 

A graveside service will be held to commemorate June's life in Big Pine on Sunday, January 20th at 1:00 p.m.  If you have a favorite story about June we'd love you to share it.  There will be a potluck meal following at Rossi's Steak and Spaghetti.  June loved a big party--Everyone is welcome!