Rose Haughton Frederick
Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 1 day, 3 hours AGO
Farewell letter to my friend, Rose, also known to many as “Miss Rose.”
My dear friend, you passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026. I've been feeling lost and trying to make sense of your passing. This letter is to honor you.
We met in 1990 and became close friends quickly. Shortly after, I joined you as a co-educator for Grant County Head Start in Moses Lake. I believe we had more fun then the children. Your dedication, expertise and love for Early Childhood Education was oxygen to you. The students and parents felt that love, especially on the last day of school every year. Your tears would come from having to say goodbye to those little faces at the same time feeling hopeful for their future.
Rose, your loyalty and responsibility to your family and close friends was evident in every personal choice you made. Christmas will never be the same without your homemade caramel corn and handmade greeting cards. We leaned on each other through the passing of both our parents, and shared lots of laughter, tears and EXCELLENT concert memories. (You are Tom Petty's BIGGEST fan!) And yes, Rose, our infamous camping trip with the raccoon invasion makes me shake my head and laugh every time I see one of those little buggers.
My memories will have to sustain me while I learn to live without you and your motherly advice, compliments of your equally fabulous mother. Give Hazel and Tom a hug from me. You were one strong and amazing woman. Thank you for being a bright spot in my life. I love you and will miss you, Girlfriend. Rest in peace, my friend.
Love,
Marie, George, Samantha and Ian