Obituary

KINNEBREW, Rose Marie (Rose), age 90, formerly of Oak Harbor, Washington, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023 in Ferndale, Washington.  She was born July 6, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Otto (Hub) Ullrich and Josephine nee Kische.  She grew up in Mundelein, Illinois with 5 siblings.

Rose graduated from Libertyville High School in 1951 and received a BS from Marquette University in medical technology and an MS from Texas A&M University in exercise physiology. After Marquette she moved to south Texas and met Robert “Keith” Kinnebrew where they were married on April 20, 1956, and raised 10 children together. As a military family, they moved often, learned to be flexible and raised their children to become successful adults.

Rose enjoyed her career as a medical technologist as it paired well with her innate sense of curiosity and love of science.  Rose also volunteered with the Peace Corps in Belize and taught physical education in Honduras.  She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, dancing, gardening, hiking, sports, traveling, and above all, cruising the world’s seas.  Rose was unpretentious, practical, and called it like she saw it.

Rose is survived by her 10 sons and daughters: Blaine (Jackie Foskett), Ben (Sandy Keathley), Mary Ann (James Lee), Quin (Tania Gonzalez), Dan (Teemaria), John (Bonnie), Ellen (James Skinner), Nick (Nicole), Lynn Eno and Neil.  She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, her sister Margaret (Marvin) Kiefer and numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keith Kinnebrew in 2006, sisters Mary Ann Starkey and Grace (Mitzi) Van Landuyt, and brothers James and Charles.

Rose was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, community volunteer, and friend.  She had her quick wit and sense of humor till the very end.  She will be missed but her life lessons will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.