Rose Ellen Withers

Rose Hayes-Withers went to heaven on Wednesday, December 23rd in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. She was 71 years old. Rose was born on January 12, 1944 in Spokane, Washington to Jim and Bernice (Rosenberg) Hayes. She grew up in Colfax, Washington and was involved in 4H as well as the Rainbow organization when she was a teenager. She was an accomplished horseback rider and enjoyed riding with her family and also was crowned Rodeo queen. After graduation from high school in Colfax, she attended Business College in Spokane and then worked for a doctor in Spokane as a secretary. She became a stay-at-home Mom after the birth of her first child and continued to love and nurture her 3 daughters. Rose returned to the work force at Bonner General Hospital, first in medical records and later in the Information System department. She retired after 30 years at the hospital. After retirement, she was able to enjoy her grandchildren and her family. She enjoyed attending quilt shows with her cousins, Mikki and Ann, and creating beautiful quilts for her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling to the Oregon coast with her family as well as her occasional trips to visit her brother and sister-in-law in Arlington by way of Amtrak. Rose is preceded in death by her father, Jim C. Hayes and her mother, Bernice Hayes. She is survived by her brother Lee Hayes, Daughters Lori Watson, Sue Sparkman, and Jan Sargent, grandchildren, Nicole Argabrite, Kyle Sargent, Brandon Sargent, and great-granddaughter Katalina. A celebration of Rose’s life will be held on Saturday, January 9th at 11 a.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 Pine, Sandpoint, ID. “Our Mom was not only our Mother, but also our best friend, counselor, nurse and the center of our family. She will be greatly missed, by not only her family, but the many people whose hearts she touched. We love you Mom!”