Rosalind Lea Embry

April 20, 1950 — June 12, 2026

Rosalind Embry

Service Details

Rosalind Lea Embry
Des Moines, Iowa

Rosalind Lea Embry, 76, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at Valley View Village in Des Moines with her daughter Julie, holding her hand. She was born on April 20, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Lester and Ruthann (Byers) Chumbley.

Known throughout her life by several affectionate nicknames, Rosalind was called "Punk" by her father—a shortened version of "Punkin" and a nod to her vibrant red hair. Later in life, coworkers came to know her as "Rusty" when her full name proved too long for an early computer username. To family and friends, she was often simply "Roz."

Rosalind grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Saydel High School in 1968. She married Jim Embry in 1971. Together they welcomed two children, Julie and Jamie. Rosalind began working for Ma Bell (Northwestern Bell/US West/Qwest) which contributed to a great life they built in Ankeny.

A gifted network engineer, Rosalind built a remarkable career that took her to nearly every corner of the United States. She was respected as a leader in her field and worked for numerous telecommunications and technology companies, including, Sprint, Nextel, Embarq, Wells Fargo, and others. Wherever her work took her, she never hesitated to jump in the car or on a plane to go visit Jamie and Julie or other family members. She created long lasting friendships and left a positive impact on those around her. She retired in 2018 after decades of professional achievement.

Known by many names but loved by everyone who knew her, Rosalind had a larger-than-life personality, a generous spirit, and a gift for making people feel welcome. She loved going to the casino and, if you asked her, she was particularly good at winning. She enjoyed getting "all dolled up" for a night out dancing or an afternoon of shopping—though she would never have called it shopping. She was simply going to "poke around."

When she wasn't out and about, she could often be found playing games on her phone, determined to beat her latest score or advance to the next level. Rosalind never met a stranger and rarely kept a secret for long. She loved people, loved conversation, and loved sharing life with those around her. Her smile was one of her defining traits. Whether greeting someone with a warm hug, catching up with a friend, or simply listening to a story, she always seemed to have a smile on her face. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. When something really struck her funny, that smile would grow even wider and her laughter often came out more like a honk than a laugh—a sound her family will never forget. She was endlessly generous, often giving far more than anyone expected. Even in her final days, she would save the candy she won during bingo at the nursing home so she could give it away to visitors. Her joy came not from what she had, but from what she could share.

For all of her professional accomplishments, the role she treasured most was first being a mother and second being a grandma. Nothing brought her greater joy than her children, grandchildren, and later her great-grandson. Family was never simply an important part of her life—it was the center of it.

To her, family extended far beyond blood relations. Although she and Jim eventually divorced, she always considered him and the entire Embry family to be her family. She remained close to them throughout her life, making intentional efforts to stay connected through phone calls, visits, and shared meals. Even as her health declined, she continued reaching out whenever she could. Some of her happiest moments were spent gathering with loved ones over Chinese food, at IHOP, or anywhere good conversation could be found.

To her oldest grandson Justin, Rosalind was more than a grandmother—she was a best friend. They shared countless memories together, from vacations and road trips to long conversations about politics, life, family, cool cars, and just about everything else. They were founding members of the unofficial "Red Head Club," an exclusive organization reserved for those lacking a little pigment in their hair.

Their relationship extended far beyond that of grandmother and grandson. For a season, Rosalind lived with Justin and Kourtlin, allowing her to remain surrounded by family during a difficult chapter of life. What began as a practical arrangement became a treasured season filled with conversation, laughter, support, and the comfort of knowing she was deeply loved and never alone.

No matter where life took either of them, they remained a constant presence in one another's lives. Through every season, Rosalind was someone Justin could call when life became difficult, and someone who would do anything she could to help the people she loved.

As her health declined, one of Rosalind's greatest heartbreaks was that her body would no longer allow her to be as active in the lives of all of her grandsons as she wanted to be. She loved Jace, Nicholas, and Carter deeply and often spoke of wishing she had the strength and ability to spend more time making memories with them. Though distance, health, and time limited what she could do, her love for each of her grandsons never wavered. She was immensely proud of all four boys and cherished every opportunity she had to be part of their lives.

One of Rosalind's greatest hopes in her later years was to live long enough to hold a great-grandchild in her arms. In 2025, that hope was fulfilled when she met her great-grandson, Zayn. Holding Zayn for the first time was one of the great joys of her final years.

She took genuine interest in the people her family cared about and never hesitated to open her heart—or her wallet—to help someone in need.
She loved angels and Paris she surrounded herself with paintings, statues, and reminders of them throughout her home. After a long and difficult season of declining health, her family finds comfort in knowing she is finally free from pain and resting in the presence of her Savior. The same woman who spent her life caring for others has now been welcomed home by the Lord she trusted.

Rosalind will be remembered for her loyalty, generosity, sense of humor, determination, and unwavering love for those fortunate enough to call her family or friend. Her impact will live on in the countless lives she touched and the many memories she leaves behind.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Embry; her son, Jamie Embry; her siblings, Randy Chumbley, Rosemary (Alvie) Voll, and Rita Chumbley-Williams; her grandsons, Justin (Kourtlin) Pearson, Jace Embry, Nicholas Embry, and Carter Embry; her great-grandson, Zayn Pearson; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ruthann Chumbley; and her siblings, Rodney Chumbley, Robin Belz-Chumbley, and Roger Chumbley.

Family and friends are welcome to a life tribute and celebration of life on Saturday June 27th at Prairie Meadows Race Track and Casino “Her favorite place to play” in the Prairie Rose Room. Life Tribute at 4pm and Horse Races and Open House Visitation to follow.

*Elevator at main entrance to 4th floor- all ages welcome•

Online condolences may be expressed at
www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.