DELLA ROSE PASSMORE

May 1, 1933 February 16, 2011

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home

Della Rose Passmore, age 77, quietly passed away in her home town of Kennewick, Washington on February 16, 2011, with her devoted husband, Raymond, by her side.

Della was born the eldest of three daughters of strong German heritage to Valentine and Margaret Klein on May 1, 1933, in Hague, North Dakota, and later moved to Kennewick, WA.

Upon graduation from Kennewick High School in 1951, Della attended St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Yakima, Washington, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1954. This was her lifelong career, working for many years at St Mary' Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA, balancing both motherhood and work with amazing grace.

Meeting a naval officer, Raymond Paul Passmore, they eloped to Poulsbo, Washington, on Nov. 6, 1954, only to repeat their vows at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Walla Walla, WA. Della was a devoted wife, enjoying 56 years of marriage, hosting family holidays, producing bountiful vegetable gardens, and sharing her loving hand crocheted quilts for each child and grandchild, which keep us warm in her memories.

Della was preceded in death by her father, Valentine Klein; mother Margaret Klein; sister, Beatrice Klein; and grandson, Taylor Passmore.

Della leaves her cherished memories and legacy to her husband, Raymond, her sister Arla (Robert) Passmore, her lifelong friend Virginia (Norm) Passmore; her daughter Patti Wiseman, her son Mike Passmore, and daughter Joni Wyckoff; seven grandchildren Lauren Wiseman, Emily Wiseman, Alyssa Wiseman, Trevor Wyckoff, Chase Wyckoff, Dominic Jones, Jordan Passmore; and two great-grandchildren - Cassana Jones and Melanie Wiseman. 'Grandma's house' was always special to them, where they could go regardless of the hour of the day, always welcomed with open arms, and lots of tender loving care.

Della was actively involved in numerous community services, not the least of which was Knight Flight.

Della's smile and quick wit will be remembered and treasured by all who knew her.

A rosary will be held at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home on Sunday, February 20, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., with viewing from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 21, at 11:00 a.m., at Parish of the Holy Spirit, 7409 West Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick with a luncheon reception to follow in Parish Hall. Interment will take place at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.

She had a special place in her heart for all animals, and would wish that remembrances be made in the form of donations to Psado's Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary in Sultan, Washington.

The family invites you to sign their online guestbook at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com.