Rose Mary (Rhea) Altvater

Rose Mary (Rhea) Altvater passed away October 25th, 2017 at age 78.

Rose is survived by 4 of her children, Julie Anderson, Howard Wayne Anderson, Dawn Rae Martinson and Melinda Remmen, and step son Sam Taylor III.  She is also survived by 8 grandchildren,12 great grandchildren, her brother Pat Rhea of Chelan WA and a niece and nephew.  Rose was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Rhea and Thelma Rhea, sister Doris Mae Rhea, daughter Debra K Anderson and the love of her life Sam Taylor Jr.

Rose was born July 1, 1939 in Van Buren, Mo.  Her early years were spent in Missouri and then the family moved to Wilder Idaho where she spent her school years.  She married Bernerd Anderson and had 3 children, Debra, Julie and Howard.  She then married Donald Martinson and had 2 daughters Dawn Rae and Melinda.  She then married Sam Taylor who sadly passed away in 1990.  She married Russ Altvater but were later divorced.

Rose’s professional career was mainly spent working for the State of Wa, retiring early from Department of Transportation.  She was very active in the IFPTE Union serving as secretary for many years.  She was also a past President of the VFW Post 318 in the 1970’s.

Mom met two of her best friends Jan Altvater (who later became her sister in law) and Noreen Fox while attending the Sound Singles dances in the 1990’s who quickly became part of her family.  Her other best friend was Dottie Jo Munro who was her sister in law.  These ladies had a blast traveling, dancing and getting together for dinners.

There will be a potluck Celebration of Life on November 25th, 2017 at the VFW at 2902 Martin Way E, Olympia from 2 to 4pm to celebrate the wonderful life she lived.  If you would like to bring a dish, that is great, but please just come and celebrate her.

Our Mama will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her, but we know she is now pain free and with the Lord and loved ones who went before her.

Thank you to the wonderful staff in the CCU at St Peters Hospital in Olympia for the extraordinary care they gave our Mother in her final hours.