Rose Rose Marie Heim Wilbur

Rose was born at her family home in Wapato, Washington, on August 23rd, 1937, with maternal Grandmother Ritchie serving as midwife. Rose graduated from Wapato High School in 1955, and was a member of their elite singing group. She sang throughout her life, playing accordion at an advanced level and delighting friends, family, and many audience members at the Mount Angel Oktober Fest in Oregon. Rose dressed for that event in classic German style, with German apparel, including full petticoats and puffed sleeves. Rose was a born performer. Her love of music carried on to her children, and all three children--Sandy, Debbie, and Warren-- took music lessons. A big piano always stood open in the family home, and Rose loved to sing along. Annual family gatherings with her many beloved siblings included games, food, and always some singing.

Rose married Warren Groves on May 17th, 1956. She was a proud and loving mother to her three children, born in 1958, 1959, and 1960. An excellent homemaker, she put on family dinners every night. She loved holidays, and could cook both down-home style as well as gourmet. She was well known for her ability to make delicious pies, and one Thanksgiving, made seven different varieties! The loss of her youngest child, her son Warren Dale Groves, was a tragic event that shifted her world view, and she never fully recovered from that loss. Her daughters, stepdaughter, grandchildren, siblings and especially her beloved spouse Wayne brought her great joy, however, and she was by nature a stoic person of humor and cheer. She loved to laugh, and her sense of humor was unparalleled! Her green eyes sparkled when she laughed.

Rose was a dynamic employee and manager throughout a long career, working first as an accountant and bookkeeper in Toppenish, and then for the legendary Zell Brothers Jewelers in downtown Portland, Oregon. After marrying Warren and moving to Canby, Oregon, She worked at Canby Builder's Supply, impressing customers with her knowledge of fasteners, finishes, and tools. She was especially gifted with the paints, and served customers with friendliness and cheer. She managed Ace Hardware in Canby, Oregon, and then worked as an accountant at Canby Sand and Gravel. She also worked with Coast Distributors in Beaverton, Oregon from 1984 through 1994. Ultimately, she moved home to support the Wapato Florist, with her mother Sadie Heim. It was while living in Wapato that Rose met the love of her life, her soon-to-be husband Wayne Wilbur. Rose and Wayne shared a sense of humor, laughing at any small moment and viewing life with pleasure. They shared a deep, abiding, and precious love, and met life's challenges with great strength, courage and unity. Wayne, who owned and ran The Janitor's Closet in Yakima, employed Rose, and literally spent every day with her. They were married April 12th, 2001.

An exuberant winner, Rose dearly loved to visit casinos and play all sorts of games! At one time, four photographs of Rose and her $5000.00 winnings for each photo were posted at the Nob Hill Casino. She and husband Wayne made many trips around the area, playing and having fun together. She also dearly loved "her" television shows, including Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Family members knew not to call at certain times in the evening!

Rose Marie Wilbur leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and strength. Family and friends will miss her, and cherish countless memories of her with tremendous love. Survivors include husband Wayne Wilbur, of Yakima, Washington; daughter Debra Harman and her husband Jay Harman of Canby, Oregon; daughter Sandy Bianconi and husband Bill Bianconi of Prescott Valley, Arizona; stepdaughter Tami Wilbur, of Yakima; mother-in-law Yvonne Wilbur of Yakima; grandchildren Heather and Telly Bianconi of Prescott Valley, Arizona; Siblings including Andrea Bunker and husband Glenn, Patricia Calhoun and husband Bob; Peggy Heaverlo and husband Larry; brother Alexander Heim and wife Janie. Rose was preceded in death by her precious son Warren Dale Groves, who passed in 1979; her darling sister Lorna Bunker; her beloved parents Alexander Heim and Sadie (Ritchie) Heim.

A Memorial Service will be held for Rose Marie Wilbur at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Avenue in Yakima, Washington on Friday, 21 October 2011 at 11 AM. Reception will follow. Friends and family are invited to view photos of her life and leave a memory at http://www.keithandkeith.com.