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Rose Marie Purkhiser Klamath Falls, OR QCWA # 19785 Chapter 188 |
Rose Marie (Clingman) Purkhiser passed away quietly June 23, 2011, at age 79, in her home with her loving husband and son Rob at her side.
When she was 10 years old, the Clingman family moved to Everett, Wash. Rosie graduated from Everett High School in 1949 and went to work at a local laundry, where she met her future husband Robert "Purk" Purkhiser, K7JIX, whom she married on March 31, 1950 in Everett.
Shortly after their marriage, they moved from Everett to Oregon City and then to Roseburg, where they lived for five years. During their time in Roseburg, they had two children, their first son Richard "Snuffy" who tragically passed away at 3 months old and their first daughter Barbara, born in 1954.
Soon after Barbara´s birth, they moved to Klamath Falls for Purk to pursue a temporary job transfer, which lasted 56-plus years with Pacific Northwest Bell. Purk and Rosie ultimately settled in Klamath Falls, adding three more children to their family, Jeanine in 1956, David in 1957 and Rob in 1961.
Family was Rosie´s passion; she put her heart and soul into her role as a caring mother and wife, showering those around her with love, advice, and hugs. She was very adventurous and led by example, hiking, climbing mountains, swimming, camping and always cooking for a crowd. Rosie knew how to have fun; her enthusiasm for life and beautiful spirit touched all who were fortunate enough to enjoy her special presence.
Rosie (K7JIY) and Purk (K7JIX) have been amateur radio operators for 52 years, which has led to volunteering for many events over the years, including communications for all Crater Lake Rim Runs, Snowflake Parades and Search and Rescue operations. In 1974, Rosie went to work for Klamath County Emergency Services and retired after 17 years as its director. During those years, she became an emergency medical technician, served on the ambulance advisory board and helped establish the 911 dispatch center.
Rosie enjoyed salmon fishing on the Rogue River each spring, raising a beautiful vegetable garden and tending to her flowers, which were enjoyed by all visitors and those passing by.
As wonderful as Rosie was as a mother, she was an even more amazing Grama and "GG" (Great Grama). She loved her grandchildren and was always their strongest supporter and guardian. Purk, her kids and all her family, both natural and those she adopted over the years, will sorely miss her.
CREDITS
Photo #1: legacy.com
