Obituary

The remarkable 101 year life of an amazing woman ended peacefully December 25, 2014. Rose Marie Broemeling Sanders was born to Kathryn Kries and Johnny Broemeling on March 14, 1913 in her beloved hometown of Genesee, Idaho. She was born on her parent’s farm, delivered by her grandmother and was the first of their 6 children.
Rose developed a deep love of literature, art and music. Rose was an avid sports fan, especially football and basketball, which she played in high school and college. In winter, she rode to school in her father’s horse drawn sleigh and in the summer picked the wildflowers growing in the fields of her farm.
Rose attended school in Genesee, graduating from high school as the Salutatorian in 1931. She then attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1937. She was a loyal U of I Vandal her entire life. During the late 30’s she taught high school Home Economics in Glens Ferry ID, and Idaho Falls ID. In May of 1941 she married the love of her life, Everett Sanders. They moved to Ferndale, Washington in 1957 together with their 4 active children, George, Doug, Marie & Stan Sanders.
Rose was an avid gardener, gifted seamstress and made incredible rhubarb pies. She was a life long learner who advocated the importance of education and the joy of learning. Rose was widely read and was active in bridge clubs, PEO, AAUW, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Campfire Girls, and many other organizations. She volunteered in various arenas well into her 80’s.
Rose’s positive attitude and caring personality inspired most people who met her, from those of us who have known her for years, up to the people who were involved with her the last week of her life.
She is survived by her proud family, daughter Marie Sanders-Hewitt (Vaeth Hewitt), grandsons Michael Sanders, Bryant Hewitt (Megan), Katy O’Keefe (Brian) and Josh Wilkinson. Also daughter-in-law Barbara Cemano and sister-in-law Peggy Broemeling. Rose is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who adored her. It was a source of immense joy, that nephew Kent Broemeling and wife Mardell, were able to acquire and continue farming her family wheat farm. In 1999, her beloved nephew, Lyle Broemeling (Ana) took his aunt Rose to Germany to visit the town where her grandparents were born. Also, her loving nieces Karen Mauer (Chuck), and Kathy Tillia, nephew Richard Broemeling (Susan) were always in her heart. She loved hearing about her great-nephews and great-nieces and their children.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whatcom Community College Foundation, in her memory and of her husband, Everett, who was WCC’s first employee & founding administrator.
Services will be held January 10th, at 1:00pm at Greenacres Memorial Park, 5700 Northwest Drive, Ferndale, WA. The graveside service will be followed by a casual reception on site. Rose would be most happy to know, the service will be over in time for everyone to get home and watch the Seahawks playoff game.