Rose Freestone

Rose Freestone died quietly at home in Moses Lake on Sept. 1, 2007, surrounded by loving family members. She was 84. Rose was born on Jan. 7, 1923, in Bedford, Ind., to Lewis and Irene Pryor. She spent most of her childhood in Indianapolis, Ind., and graduated from City Tech High School in the winter of 1940.

She married Charles (Chuck) Freestone in the spring of 1941 and began her married life in Indianapolis. They lived in Oklahoma, New Mexico, California and Washington, finally settling down to raise their family in Ephrata in 1946.

Rose stayed home to care for her six children until the youngest were in school, and then decided to work outside of her home also. After working briefly at the local "dime store" and Sears, she went to work at the Grant County Assessor's Office for John Powers and continued working under Glenn Jolliffe and John Kolve as the Chief Deputy Assessor for many years. She assumed the position of assessor for six months after John Kolve retired and was elected to the position in 1982. She served one four-year term and retired in December of 1986. She loved her work in the assessor's office and remained close to many of the people she worked with for the rest of her life.

Rose was also active in her community and always gave of herself and her time in many ways. She was a member of the Altrusa Club, Women of the Moose and active for many years with the Grant County Democrats. For many years she could be found in the Democratic booth at the Grant County Fairgrounds putting in her time on behalf of the current Democratic candidates. After her retirement she was active with the Retired Public Employees of Washington, serving as secretary for the Tri-Cities chapter.

In the mid 70s Rose and Chuck built their second home "Rosewood" in the McConihe Flats on Moses Lake, about 15 miles south of Ephrata. They spent many happy years there enjoying gardening, fishing and sailing. Rosewood became a great gathering place for all their friends and family. Rose and Chuck also enjoyed traveling after they retired. Following Chuck's death in 1990, Rose relocated to Kennewick, Wash., where her sister Ann lived. The sisters traveled together extensively through the years. Some of the highlights of their travels included trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Costa Rica and Ireland.

Although Rose had many personal and professional achievements in her life, her family always remained the most important constant in her life. She was truly devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her generous nature was always felt by all, as she rarely missed a birthday, anniversary, graduation or any other special occasion with cards and gifts. Her family truly knew her and loved her.

Rose is survived by her children, Jon Freestone, Ballina, Ireland; Jan Land, Shelton, Wash.; Dave Freestone, Richland, Wash.; Charlie Freestone, Okanogan, Wash.; Rose Hill, Moses Lake; and Susan Schmaltz, Hanover, Md.; 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her three sisters: Ann McColley, Monroe, Wash.; Mary Steiner, Kenmore, Wash.; and Martha Klontz, Moscow, Idaho. Rose was preceded in death by her husband Chuck of 49 years, and her brother Roy Pryor.

Her family would like you to join them in celebrating her life. The memorial will be held in Moses Lake on Sept. 6, 2007, at 2 p.m. at Kayser's Chapel of Memories, 831 South Pioneer Way. Please come and share your memories.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, National Breast Cancer Foundation, or a charity of your choice.