Rosalie J. Funk passed away peacefully on June 21 in Auburn, Washington. She was born on July 8, 1930, in a log cabin near Boulder, Wyoming, to Clarence and Maude (White) Friesen. After growing up on farms in Washington and Idaho, she met her husband, William D. Funk, while they were working at Mt. McKinley National Park in Alaska. Their early married life was spent at Mt. Rainier National Park, at Lakeview, Oregon, and at Port Angeles. In 1969 the family moved to Bainbridge Island, where they made their home for the next forty years. In her last years she received loving care at Wisdom House in Auburn.

After graduating from Middleton High School in Idaho, Rosalie attended Multnomah School of the Bible, Philadelphia School of the Bible, the School of Missionary Medicine at Biola, where she earned a nurse’s license, and the Institute of Linguistics at the University of Oklahoma. While living on Bainbridge Island, she worked for Bethany Lutheran Church and the Association for Christian Development.

Rosalie was a lifelong student and diligent note-taker on a wide variety of subjects, particularly new discoveries in science. She began investigating her family history long before the era of the Internet, compiling a book on her mother’s family and sharing information with correspondents. Her volunteer work included typing for Bible translators, Braille transcription, and helping with children’s programs in local churches. A dedicated do-it-yourselfer, she could often be found surrounded by two-by-fours and paint cans or hauling home useful items from rummage sales.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, a sister, Cleo Sperry, and two brothers, Allen and Neil Friesen. She is survived by three daughters, Eileen Funk of Hansville, Sandra Funk of Auburn, and Sheila (Jason) Swofford of Auburn; and four grandchildren, Katherine, Michael, Nathaniel, and Gabriel Swofford. They will miss her unfailing patience, politeness, and generosity.

A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Cemetery

on July 1st.