Rose Edna Purser

The family of Rose E. Purser of Little Boston is saddened to announce that she passed away on March 24, 2021, at her home, surrounded by a loving family. Born April 24, 1930, to Inez and Fred Wellman, she was the oldest living female member of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe.

Rose was preceded in death by her mother, Inez (Fulton) Wellman, father Fred Wellman, brother Fred Terrance (Loral) Wellman, sister Marlene Moran, sister Darlene (Lee) Seachord, sister Inez Rogers, husband Orville (Bud) Purser, son Rudy (Sharon) Purser, Jr., and husband Rudy Purser, Sr. She is survived by sister Betty (Skip) George, daughter Marcelene (George) Sparks, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.


After attending North Kitsap Schools, Rose spent the majority of her life in Little Boston raising her family. She was employed by Martha and Mary nursing home for several years before she took a job with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe at Little Boston. Rose loved working for her tribe, where she held a number of positions for over 40 years, retiring in January 2021 when she became ill. She served for many years in the position of Tribal Judicial Officer.

Rose was beloved by anyone who was fortunate enough to get to know her, and many referred to her as “Gramma Rose” or “Auntie Rose”, even those not related to her. Rose loved meeting and talking with those who visited her office and she would greet everyone with a big smile. She was always willing to listen to anyone needing help and comfort. Known for her kindness and generosity, Rose frequently gave any spare money she had to folks in need. She also enjoyed ordering items by mail, which were delivered to her home and given away as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

Rose was the tribal representative for many years to various boards and committees, dealing with health matters, and was well regarded by tribal folks around the Northwest. A favorite place you could frequently find Rose was at the beach at Point Julia, the site of the tribe’s ancestral village, where she remembers watching it burn in 1940 when it was condemned by the government. Rose was a long-time member of the S'Klallam Worship Center in Little Boston. She will be missed and certainly not forgotten by all those who came to know her.

A memorial service is planned for April 6th, at 1:00 pm at the Port Gamble S'Klallam Baseball Field and she will be laid to rest at the Tribe’s cemetery in Little Boston.

Arrangments are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home on Bainbridge Island, WA