Delores C. Rose

Delores “Dee” Rose died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Nov. 17, 2018. She was 88 years old.

Born and raised in Seattle, Dee was the oldest of four children. She met Don, the love of her life, and they married in 1960. The couple moved to California for a year but returned to the Key Peninsula where Don grew up. Together they raised five children in the same house where they spent the rest of their lives. 

Dee was a character with the perfect balance of charm and wit. She loved her family with her whole heart and would do anything and everything for them. Before retiring in 1983 to travel with her husband, she spent many years dispatching for Fire District 16 from her dining room. She had her desk in the corner, covered with radios and telephones. She took great pride in this and was known as “The Voice” by neighboring departments. 

Dee was a wonderful artist, using oil and a palette knife, creating many pieces her family will cherish always. A friend to anyone, Dee loved people. She always had a pot of coffee on and a spot at her kitchen table for friends and family. She loved cooking and always had something freshly baked on her counter.

Dee and Don enjoyed camping trips to Lake Curlew with their children and grandchildren and road trips to Arizona and Reno. They loved bingo at BJ’s in Fife, where they made many friends and spent many years yelling “BINGO!” There were holiday dinners, barbecues and poker games around the kitchen table. She lived a very full life and knew love so deeply; her family will miss her every day of our lives. 

Dee was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Donald and Maydell Elzey, brother Donald Elzey, daughter Dore Lutz and grandson Wesley Collins. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Cheri Fenton (Russ), Cindy Moore (Pat), Glenda Pestana (Pat); son Terry Rose (David Blouse); and grandchildren, Dan Lutz (Seana), Asia Cook, Seth Collins, Jennie Geier (Aaron), Whitney Erickson (Eric), Donald Moore, Tanner Lemon (Nicole) and Jesse Lemon; her brother Carl Elzey (Vicki), sister Toni Anker, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you to Mom’s special friend JoAnn for everything.

A private celebration will occur in late spring.