Rosa Ann Schenaker passed away peacefully Feb. 2, 2007. She was born March 16, 1907 in the farming community of Oak Harbor, the second of six children to Henry and Anna (Frostad) Stroops. She was a happy and lively child who always loved the outdoors. Her first grade was a one-room school in the Crescent Harbor area, a one-mile walk. All eight grades were taught by one teacher, so it was interesting to listen to the older children recite. She attended high school in town and since she loved school and studying, she became valedictorian in her class of 20 in 1925. She attended Bellingham Normal School (Western Washington State College) and then taught grades 5 to 8 in a two-room school in Cornet Bay for one year.
The next year she met and married Bill Schenaker and settled down to become a farmer’s wife on North Whidbey, raising livestock and a large enough vegetable garden for the family and to sell. They also raised a family: son Jack and daughters Audrey and Pat.
After Pearl Harbor in 1941, the Navy developed Ault Field Naval Air Base two miles from the farm with the flight path over the farm spooking all the animals. It was time to move!
The family moved to Snohomish in 1943 where all the children attended and graduated from Snohomish High School and all became successful in their own professions. Husband Bill had trained to be an electrician so they opened and operated Schenaker Electric for 30 years in town.
Rosa was an active member of Snohomish First Presbyterian Church, the Snohomish Garden Club where she was president four years in the ‘70s. She was also active in Lady Lions, BPW, and the Snohomish Lapidary Club. They enjoyed traveling and camping and “rock-hounding” with the lapidary members.
After Bill’s death in 1984, Rosa continued her busy schedule, which included a large vegetable garden and lots of flowers and often showed some of her 125 dahlias at the fair. She loved to walk to visit friends, neighbors and do errands around town.
Rosa was preceded in death by her parents; brother Laurin Stroops; sisters, Hazel Koetje, Goldie Conner and Clara Haggen; and grandson Rick Norvell.
She is survived by her three children, Jack Schenaker (Doris), Audrey Davidson, and Pat Kuhlman (Duane); seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Rosa always enjoyed excellent health until a light stroke in April ’02 slowed her down, requiring a walker and more nursing care. Remembrances may be made to Snohomish First Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Snohomish County (425-261-4777). A private interment will be in Oak Harbor Maple Leaf Cemetery. A memorial service will be at Snohomish First Presbyterian Church in the spring when the flowers are blooming. Bauer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.