On Friday, March 19^th, 2021, Rose Wagner, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at age 82.

Rose was born and raised in North Dakota, where she met her husband of over 60 years, Chuck. They fell in love and married while he was in the Air Force and she was living in Minot.  They moved halfway across the country together when their eldest daughters were young children, making their home in the Tri-Cities. Their life in the Tri-Cities together spanned more than 50 years.

Rose was a devoted wife and mother, exhibiting a strength that all in her family would admire and rely upon over the years. Together, her family loved to travel around the Pacific Northwest looking for the perfect place for a rock hunt or adventure. They visited family in North Dakota as frequently as possible, and in later years Rose would often reminisce about the hot summers in Minot and the long drives across the country, children and dogs in the backseat.

She was an equally devoted grandmother, forging special relationships with each of her grandchildren. Whether making them an after-school snack, sneaking their pets extra dog treats, spoiling them at Christmastime, or beaming with pride at every birthday, graduation, baseball game, or school event she could attend, her love for her grandchildren was effusive.

Rose had a special talent for gardening, in particular her roses and had a special place in her heart for taking care of animals. She loved jewelry and a glass of white wine with dinner. She religiously watched cooking shows and read magazines, and come Thanksgiving or Christmas, her family would be clamoring for one of her famous angel food cakes, pecan pies, or German chocolate cakes. The highlights of these family gatherings were often Rose’s quick wit and the light-hearted barbs she would trade with her husband. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, or to live her life boldly and unapologetically.

Later in life, Rose would often say that years sped by faster as she aged. But while she lamented the quick pace at which time moved, she met every challenge life threw at her with a quiet strength and an appreciation for all that she had achieved, and all who she had loved, throughout her incredible life.

A funeral service will be attended by immediate family, and recorded for all those who wish to honor the life of Rose. Rose was preceded in death by her parents Peter & Rena Wentz and her daughter, Suzanne Wagner. She is survived by her husband Chuck, her daughters Nancy Miskho and LeeAnn Howes (Kevin), and her grandchildren Vanessa, Cameron, Alexandria, Hallie, Nolan, and Mason. They will miss her dearly, and think of her often.

Einan’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.