Barbara Jean (Smalley) Rose, loved her family and friends, born on November 17, 1936 in Eden Valley, Washington to Daniel and Signe Smalley and died peacefully at home with family in Rosburg, Washington on May 25, 2026 at the age of 89.

Barbara married Lawrence Dale Rose on May 1, 1954 and raised their 5 children in Rosburg. She started working as a clerk at the Rosburg Store when her youngest child started school. She later became the US Post Master for the Rosburg Post Office, retiring with 32 years of service. She was also very active in the Rosburg community and, in particular, a member of the Rosburg Ladies Club. The ladies club was responsible for the management of the Rosburg Hall which Barbara held the position of treasurer into her 80’s managing finances, scheduling events and working with the other ladies to cook and provide food for any and all events that needed catering. She was also a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the local quilting club and volunteered for years at the Wahkiakum County Fair as superintendent of the T-Building which displayed sewing and quilting projects. With her spare time she loved quilting, gardening, lawn mowing and just about anything that she could find to keep herself busy. She had a ‘no quit’ attitude and a work ethic that was second to none. She was known as ‘Busy Bee’ or ‘Eveready Bunny’ to some of her children. She enjoyed time spent with family, especially her grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by Lawrence, her husband of 72 years; five children, Rickey (Patricia) Rose, Debbie Welsh, Patrick Rose, Belinda (Peter) Howard, Shelley Rose; grandchildren, Rebecca Rose, Ronald Legler, Branden (Lori) Rose, Brenda Rose, Sarah Rugo, Brandy Jo Rose, Lauren (Erik) Busk, Shawn (Lindsay) Gilbert, Shane Gilbert, Brittany Legler, Colin Rose, Jackie Rose, Ashlee Gilbert; and 29 great & 3 great/great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Signe Smalley; siblings; Daniel Arnold Smalley, Wallace Smalley, Russell Smalley; grandchildren, Ryan Torppa, Matthew Rugo, Adrianne Howard.

Service will be held at Valley Bible Chapel Rosburg at 12:00PM on July 11, 2026. A celebration of life will follow 1:00-3:00PM at the Rosburg Hall.

An angel has been sent to heaven. Our loss is heaven’s gain!