A deputy editor who served a weekly newspaper for a quarter of a century has died aged 62.

Tributes have been paid to Rosetta Donnelly, who spent 25 years with the Omagh-based Ulster Herald.

Rosetta, pictured, also helped to oversee the launch of its North-West News Group sister title the Tyrone Herald in 2004.

Nigel McDonagh, editor of the Ulster Herald, described her in an obituary for the paper as a “people person” who was popular inside and outside the newsroom.

He added: “Rosetta always had time for others and I remember her often receiving flowers and gifts from members of the public who were grateful for the articles she wrote about them.

“Rosetta was deputy editor of the Ulster Herald for many years and she was very dedicated to her role.

“In addition to contributing articles and supporting the editor with the publication of the Ulster Herald each week, Rosetta helped oversee some key transformations in our recent history, including a major redesign in 2001 and the launch of the Tyrone Herald in 2004.

“Rosetta’s passing has been met with great sadness among her former work colleagues and we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to her family.”

Born in Trillick, County Tyrone, Rosetta joined the Herald in 1989 after finishing university.

She covered many major stories such as the 1998 Omagh Bomb and its aftermath, including the visits of US President Bill Clinton and Irish Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese.

Dominic McClements, managing director of the North-West News Group, said: “Rosetta was immensely respected and regarded among staff and the wider community.”

Rosetta, who left the paper in 2012, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a condition that had also affected her later sister Noreen.

She died on 13 June and is survived by her daughters Danielle and Megan, grandchildren Tadhg, Lana, Fiadh and Jasper and siblings Pat-Joe, James Henry, Marie Devane, Dessie, Dympna, Stephen and Ursula.