Carole L. Rottle
1923-2009
Our beloved wife, mother and grandmother passed away peacefully on February 25, 2009, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born to George and Edna Wright, Carole grew up on a farm in the town of Michigan, North Dakota. After graduating from high school there in 1941 she moved to Seattle and worked for the Boeing Company. In 1944 Carole married Don Rottle in Bakersfield, California where he was serving in the Army Air Corps. At the war’s end the couple returned to Auburn where they raised four children and expanded Don’s family business, Rottle’s Department Store. While unconditionally dedicated to her family, Carole was also instrumental in behind-the-scenes operations of the business and an active Auburn community member. She was a longtime supporter of the Children’s Orthopedic Guild where she provided fund raising leadership in earlier years and later volunteered at the Children’s Orthopedic Thrift Store. She was recognized by the American Cancer Society for her service in assisting cancer patients, and was honored to be a member of the Philanthropic Education Order (PEO) and a 50-year member of the Cyclamen Chapter of Eastern Star. In their 64 years of marriage she and Don enjoyed boating, skiing and traveling with their family and friends, in the Pacific Northwest and abroad. Grandma Carole found exceptional delight nurturing her seven grandchildren. Carole possessed a deep belief in God and the inherent goodness of people. She approached the world with an attitude of understanding and compassion, and responded with selflessness and unending kindness. More than anything she cherished her family and friends and loved to help and visit with them. She found joy in making others happy, preferring giving over receiving. Her quick wit, winsome smile, generosity and insightful thoughtfulness towards others endeared her to all who knew her. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Kenneth Wright, she is survived by her husband Don; sister Ruth Reiten of Sun City AZ; children Pamela Epeneter (Mike) of Sumner, Nancy Rottle (Paul) of Seattle, John Rottle of Sumner, and Jim Rottle (Tanya) of Auburn; grandchildren Jason, Chad, Haley, Jamie, Jodie, Anneka and McKenna; and ten nieces and nephews. We will so miss her sparkle and loving kindness.A celebration of Carole’s life will be held on Friday, March 6 at 1 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn. Donations in her memory can be made to the F. D. Merritt Guild of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, PO Box 50020, Seattle, WA 98145, or to a charity of choice.
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