Rosemary Hite

Rosemary Ann Curtin Hite, age 94, died Tuesday September 2, 2014 at Whetstone Care Center, Columbus, OH, after a brief illness. Born May 14, 1920, in Milwaukee, WI, she was raised in Cleveland OH where her interest in music began while playing the bassoon at East High School. Later studied under bassoonists William Polisi, George Goslee, and Sol Schoenbach. From 1943-49 she was invited to play principal bassoon in the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra by its conductor Izler Solomon. She married clarinetist David L. Hite in 1948. Graduated from Ohio State University in 1951 with a BA in English (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), later teaching at Capital and Ohio State universities and Columbus State Community College. Also taught many bassoon students. As a writer, began reviewing music in 1950 at the invitation of Sam Wilson of The Columbus Dispatch, also writing for the Ohio State Journal and Columbus Citizen. From 1965-1980 was music critic for the Columbus Citizen-Journal and later wrote occasionally again for the Dispatch until 1990. She continued to play the bassoon freelance in the Hartman Theatre and Kenley Players orchestras as well as in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet. An early supporter of the renovation of German Village, she was also early voice in her columns for the movement to save the Ohio Theatre. Served on the Ohio Arts Council; belonged to The Pen Women writers association; served as Public Relations director, Ohio Department of Energy and the Columbus Museum of Art. Retiring in 1990, she enjoyed traveling and volunteer teaching. Her final years were spent happily at Whetstone Care Center surrounded by their caring staff. A life-long Catholic, she was a member of Holy Cross, Holy Spirit, St Mary and Sacred Heart parishes. Preceded in death by mother Katherine, siblings Kathleen, Stanley, Janet, and Alice, and ex-husband David. Survived by sons Mark Hite of Columbus OH, and Christopher Hite (Angela) and grandson Benjamin Hite, of Annandale VA. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 am, Sat, Sept 13, 2014 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 1088 Thomas Ln, Columbus, OH 43220. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, 55 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215 or online at www.columbussymphony.com Arrangements are under the care of RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.