Betty S Rose

Betty (Scharff) Rose passed away peacefully in Yelm, Washington, on December 7, 2024. She was born on December 11, 1942, in Montclair, New Jersey, to Joe and Naomi (Rowan) Scharff. She is survived by her daughter Colleen (Mike), son Andrew, daughter Karen (Chaille), grandchildren Todd and Mari, along with her brother Bill and sister Karen. She was preceded in death by her brothers Bob and Joe and her parents.

Betty grew up in many states along the East and West Coasts. Her family settled down in the vicinity of San Jose, California. After graduating from high school in San Jose, Betty worked for the telephone company as an operator. She loved her job and her coworkers and eventually became a manager. After marrying Russell Rose, Betty and Russell moved to Susanville, California, where they had their three children. The family moved to Colorado, Massachusetts, and eventually Washington.

Betty, a faithful servant of Christ, dedicated her life to others. Her life’s mantra was, “If I can – help someone, cheer somebody, give them a lift from their troubles, diminish their hunger.” Betty’s love of helping others guided her to work at the Thurston County Food Bank where she was the volunteer coordinator for 23 years. After retiring, Betty continued to volunteer at the food bank until 2020.

Betty’s home away from home was St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey, where she grew in her faith. She sang in the choir, played handbells, participated in bible studies and book groups, and felt at home as a member of an early morning women’s group.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, love of her children, witty humor, passion to help others, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. She left the world a better place. She is dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2109 College St SE, Lacey, WA 98503.

Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to the Thurston County Food Bank or St. Mark Lutheran Church.