Blaine Helen Sullivan Rose

Reno - Blaine Helen Sullivan Rose, aged 65, of Reno NV, died on January 26th 2018 in Reno, after a prolonged illness. Blaine was born in Oakland, CA to Carley Lucille Sullivan and Willard Randall Sullivan, the first child of four. She was raised in Dos Palos, CA and Elko, NV, where she graduated salutatorian from Elko High School. She won the Freshman Scholarship to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts. She was awarded the Herz Gold Medal for outstanding scholarship, which is awarded to the graduating senior with the highest grade-point average. She went on to obtain an M.B.A from University of Nevada, Las Vegas and became a certified public accountant. She worked for Senator Harry Reid, managing his Reno office. She later went on to work for the Department of Human Resources for the State of Nevada. She retired to her homes in Lake Tahoe, CA and Bandon, Oregon, where she pursued many hobbies at which she excelled, including gardening, embroidery, interior design, cooking and baking. She was a passionate home renovator, and put Bob Villa to shame. She was a fierce intellect and known for her prowess at Trivial Pursuit, an undefeated championship thanks to her extensive knowledge of sports (thank you Max Schmeling).

She was much loved and will never be forgotten by her family and many dear friends. We would like to extend special thanks to her devoted caregivers Olivia Salazar and Antonia Paniagua.

She is preceded in death by her father Willard Randall Sullivan and brother Daniel Edward Sullivan. Her mother Carley L. Sullivan; sisters Peggy Sullivan (David Hagen) and Valerie Mitchell (Roger); "adopted" sister Cathi Probasco Basler (Don); nieces Dr. Kathryn Hagen (Jack Douglass), Carina Mitchell and Colleen Hagen (Ruben Garcia); her nephews Brian Hagen (Dr. Cassandra Puccinelli) and Cameron Mitchell; and her grandnephew Luca David Garcia survive her and are planning a memorial service to be held at a later date. She is survived also by spouse John Hull.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader from Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Blaine Rose

Sponsored by Neptune Society - Reno.

14 Entries

Penny Anne Landell Getts

March 14, 2018

Blaine was a very dear person in my life. We have known each other since we were three and four. Our families were close in Elko and Reno.
I will always celebrate her life.
Wishing Carley a Happy Birthday Saturday.

John Hull

March 13, 2018

Blaine was my dear wife and the love of my life. We were together for twenty-seven wonderful years which included doing a lot of construction on our cabin and our beach house. She was the hardest working girl and the smartest woman I know. Cute, too! Seventy-five of us enjoyed a celebration of Blaine's life on Saturday, March 10th, with people coming from Oakland, the San Juan Islands, New Jersey, Costa Rica as well as Reno and Lake Tahoe. I miss her terribly.

Cathi Probasco

March 1, 2018

I have the absolute pleasure of knowing all the Sullivan women.
Blaine was a big sister to me. She was one of the funniest people I ever had the opportunity to share a belly laugh with. I know her public persona was as an elegant, beautiful, competent leader/woman. I was lucky enough to spend most of my time with Blaine away from her public side. I feel so honored to have known her for most of my life.
It will be hard for anyone that knew and loved her to believe that she isn't with us any more.

Andrew Barbano

February 14, 2018

My column about her in the Valentine's Day edition of the Sparks (Nev. ) Tribune may be accessed via Barbwire. US/ Love, laughter and warm memories to Peggy, Carley and everyone fortunate enough to have spent much more time than did I experiencing this magnificent lady. I thought she would live forever.
Andrew Barbano, Reno, Nevada

M D

February 10, 2018

It was around May of 1982, when through the window of the office I occupied I noticed a well dressed, elegant, and obviously confident woman approaching the entrance to the building. Shortly thereafter I was introduced to Blaine Rose, our new fiscal analyst. That class act of a woman I had seen approaching the building. Blaine and her supervisor, Sandy, were under tremendously tight deadlines and always needing fast answers to financial questions. As a young accountant at the time and though I should not have, I tended to take personally the questions asked about the numbers, my numbers, by auditors and analysts. As Blaine entered and left the office with hummingbird-like speed, what I remember most about working with her are of the top of her head, as she was always head down writing onto multi-column accounting ledger paper, and how she had a way of seeking answers in such a way that didn't in the slightest call into question anyone's intentions or integrity. Then, how she'd look up, make eye contact, say "thank you" and with that same hummingbird-like speed with which she entered, disappear. Blaine made it easy to provide answers to questions that begged to be asked and do so in the quick and efficient manner she required. I did not get to know her as the others who have posted here. She was far too busy for that. Still, she set a good example for a work ethic that I tried to follow then and when I moved on. There was once an opportunity for me to ask her a question. The anwer to which was short, to the point, and yet at the same time uncharacteristically revealing. An answer I never forgot and that years later, made even more sense. It is nice to read that her style, grace and elegance were genuine through and through, and along with her intelligence, were without bounds. I am grateful for that albeit short, one or slightly more, year of working with her. And for the sincerity, depth and breadth of the answer she gave me to the question I was able to ask her.

Joanne Tully

February 9, 2018

Blaine passed through my live for only a short time as we worked together for a year but what an impact she made on me. I still tell people stories about her determination and kindness. One day we found a stray dog in the parking lot at work. Still don't know how she did it but she talked me into taking this small white puffball home - the shelter would be an awful place for the poor thing. Jamie dog won over my "no dogs for us" husband's heart. This dog who loved to escape, food, people, and with a love of life. It seems fitting. Hugs to all.

Dennis Myers

February 9, 2018

Intelligent, witty, lovely.

Angaela Iacovelli

February 6, 2018

Blaine was more than just a kind and gracious neighbor, she was a true friend in times of trouble. She was so supportive to me and helped me battle and win the fight against breast cancer. While I was recovering and going through chemo and radiation, Blaine came over and redesigned a room in my house for me to have a new perspective as I recovered. She took an old stool and cut a door in half, placed the half door on the stool & tiled it, making a beautiful table,then painted chairs to match, designed and sown beautiful matching pillows and curtains,for me. She, John and her basset Missy, continued to help bring me joy as I recovered until they moved to Oregon. Blaine was a champion for the underdog being an advocate, long before most people even knew what was going on. She had wonderful parties and was always a fun host. She never shied away from an interesting conversation and was great friends with my Dad and they would talk for hours on many subjects. She and John were a great support to our family after my Dad died as well. Gracious, smart as a whip, kind, talented, great neighbor, faithful fun friend to all who knew who her as one and has been and will be much missed, by all who knew her. She loved life and vigorously fought death. Please know she is much loved and we are praying for comfort for all her family and friends.

Penny Anne Landell Getts

February 6, 2018

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Blaine's passing. I've know Blaine and her family for over 60 years. We grew up together in Elko. Blaine was amazing. My deepest sympathy to all the family and friends. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.

February 6, 2018

Blaine was one of the smartest women I've ever known. Even important, she was nice!
Jan Pearce Petersesn, Elko

S H

February 5, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

Randall Sullivan

February 4, 2018

I got to know my cousin Blaine in the summer of 1966. She was the first full-blown spitfire I had ever encountered. And she was only 13! Nine months younger than me. All the boys in Elko seemed to be after her, and I had no problem understanding why. We went to our first real rock concert together, the Rolling Stones, at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon, and I was lucky to have her standing next to me. The best way I know to honor her death is to remember how alive she was.

January 31, 2018

Blaine and John were such a nice couple and fun to be around. I met Blaine through John and it was so nice to know such a friendly and warm lady. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Paula Morton (Carson City, NV)

Nancy Carnahan

January 30, 2018

Blaine was a beautiful person and so kind and thoughtful. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. May God Bless her.

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