Rose J Betzina

Rose J Betzina, born on December 17, 1931 in Big Fork Minnesota, passed away in Federal Way Washington on July 25, 2023 at the age of 91.

For the most part, she grew up in Longview Washington.  Her parents, Herman and Mable Johnson, eventually made their home in Longview after relocating back and forth between Longview and various locations in Minnesota several times.  Rose had four brothers (Gus, Herman, Floyd and Larry) and two sisters (Mary and Dorothy) most of whom made their homes in Longview.  She has lived independently since she was 15 years old and put herself through High School at R.A. Long HS in Longview.  She loved school, was a cheer leader and  graduated in 1950.  Rose married Vern Maxwell of Rochester New York and then had four boys, Gary, Scott, David and Jeff.  She worked as an insurance underwriter and after divorce, raised her four boys in West Seattle where their family home was located.  After her boys grew up and left home, she married Ken Betzina of Des Moines Washington at which time she took the last name Betzina.  She then invested her assets, time and love into the Betzina family, some of whom were already independent and moved out and others who she helped raise for several years. Ken’s children are Jane, Lori, Kenny, Todd, Eric and Nancy. After Ken died in 2000, Rose moved to Federal Way where she has lived for about 20 years.

Rose was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy and Mary, her brothers Floyd, Gus and Larry and her grandson Logan Maxwell.  She is survived by her brother Herman, Her children, Ken’s children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

One of her favorite stories from her childhood involved the local swimming hole on Coal Creek near their families’ small farm, where she, her brothers and sisters and friends relaxed, swam and played games.  She would pretend that she was a princess and the pool was her refuge.

Though she had some physical challenges, Rose lived independently up to the age of 91.  She was extremely clear minded, organized and engaged with life.  She dearly loved her children on both sides of her family and was always there to provide wisdom and guidance when asked for.  She had faith and hope that God would prepare a place for her in heaven when she died.  We will all miss her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate to a charity of your choice in loving memory of Rose.

To share your condolences and memories of Rose, please visit her Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home -

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