Rose Marie Betts

Rose Marie Betts
Apr 24, 1937 - Jun 15, 2026

Rose Marie Betts, age 89, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Tacoma, Washington. She was born on April 24, 1937, in Troy, Idaho, to Kirk Wilson and Hazel (Bartlett) Wilson Hunt.

Rose was raised in Juliaetta, Idaho, where she developed the warmth, generosity and strong sense of community that defined her life. She married the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Betts, in 1953 in Lewiston, Idaho, and they shared more than 67 years of marriage before his passing. After a brief time in Twin Falls, where Gene began his service with the Idaho State Patrol, they settled in 1961 in the Coeur d’Alene area, which remained their home for decades.

A devoted homemaker, Rose was extraordinary in the kitchen. Her cooking and baking became the heart of her home and a gift to many. “Rosie’s Cop Stop” was well known among Idaho State Patrol officers, who stopped by for coffee and a slice of pie. Her pizzas, pies, cakes and orange rolls were legendary. She found the greatest joy in watching others gather and enjoy the meals and baked goods she prepared.

Rose enjoyed dancing, bingo and playing cards, always bringing people together. She was also a founding member of the Hayden Lake Eagles. In her later years at Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma, despite being sight challenged, she reestablished a weekly bingo game, continuing to create connection and community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Betts, her parents, Kirk Wilson and Hazel (Bartlett) Wilson Hunt and her sister, Dorothy Watson.

Rose is survived by her children, Gail Kilian of Post Falls, Idaho and Jay Betts (Amy) of Lakewood, Washington; and her grandchildren, Maxwell Kilian of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Emily Betts of Park City, Utah.

Per Rose’s wishes, no formal service will be held. She and Gene will be interred together in the Coeur d’Alene area at a future date.

The family is thankful for the compassionate care provided by the staff at Franke Tobey Jones and Tacoma General Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Franke Tobey Jones, 5340 North Bristol, Tacoma, WA 98407.

Arrangements are entrusted to Edwards Memorial Funeral Home. Memories may be shared at www.altogetherfuneral.com.