Mary K Rose

Mary K. Spies Rose passed away on May 30, 2010, in Spokane Washington. She was born September 5, 1936 in Eugene, Oregon, the daughter of Oliver and Rose (Von Arx) Spies. Mary moved to Spokane, WA in 1948, when her father went to work for the Spokesman Review. Mary attended St. Aloysius grade school, and then Holy Names Academy where she graduated in 1954. She also attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing from which she graduated in 1957. Mary married James Mertens in 1957 and together they had six children. Mary had a love of music and played both the piano and the Hammond organ. She loved to attend the symphony. Mary had a beautiful voice and sang in the choirs at both St. Aloysius and St. Francis of Assisi parishes. Mary married Frank Rose in 1991. Together the enjoyed traveling and dancing. They traveled to Europe and the British Isles. They enjoyed going back East to view the fall foliage, with her sister Teresa and brother-in-law Jim Demepwolfe, and also taking trips to the Oregon and California coasts. After Mary retired from nursing she enjoyed volunteering at The House of Charity and the downtown Women’s Shelter. Mary had a strong faith in GOD. Before her illness, she was a very active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. She was a Providence Associate and won a trip to Rome for The Beautification of Mother Emily Gamlin. Mary is survived by her loving husband Frank Rose of Spokane WA; children, Martin (Jonna) Mertens of Tacoma, WA, Kevin (Laura) Mertens of Rainier, WA, Mary K. (Dean) Geiselman of Federal Way, WA, Paula (Tom) Crowley of Spokane, WA, Master Sergeant John Mertens currently of Spokane, WA.; brothers, James Spies of Spokane, WA, Ray Spies of Spokane, WA, and Randy (Maura) Spies of Mead, WA; sisters, Rose Marie Hillyard of Spokane, WA and Teresa (Jim) Dempewolfe of Modesto, CA; stepson, Michael (Terry) Rose of San Francisco, CA; stepdaughters, Kathleen (Frank) Wood, of Federal Way, WA, and Marjorie (Mel) Derr of Rome, NY; twenty grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was predeceased by her son Joseph Mertens and her parents Oliver and Rose Spies. A Rosary Service will be held at 2:00 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 4420 N. Jefferson Spokane, WA on Friday, June 4, 2010 beginning at 2:30 pm. A reception will follow the Mass. In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity of your choice.