Rosalie Irene Macauley went to be with God and Jesus on Feb. 28, 2021. She was in White City, Ore. with the sun shining on Mt. McLoughlin when she passed to her Heavenly Home. A favorite view out her window was the Mt. McLoughlin “snow angel.”
She was born on Jan. 27, 1930 to Noah and Lois Whitmore in Modesto, Calif., “shortly” after the family had moved from Aroya, Colo. to Ripon, Calif. where she grew up. She started first grade early, therefore graduating from Ripon High School in 1947. Rosalie earned a bachelor of science in Sacred Literature in 1955 from San Jose Bible College (now known as William Jessup University). After earning her degree, she moved to Boise, Idaho to work as a house mother, caring for seven little boys in a Christian Children’s Home.
Rosalie met William T. Macauley of Creswell, Ore., who was attending Boise Bible College following his service in the Air Force. Rosalie and Wm. T. were married Aug. 12, 1956, at the San Jose Bible College Chapel. Returning to the Children’s Home after their honeymoon, they were greeted by a “new” little 2-year-old Chinese boy named Ritchie, who is still remembered with love and care. Rosalie and Wm. T. were blessed with seven children who are loved dearly; Katie Irene, William Paul (who lived 12 hours), Edwin Talbert, David Russell, Anna Ilene, Thomas James and John Eugene.
Rosalie loved singing, whistling and reading. She blessed her family by reading innumerable stories out loud. She read Bible books, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School (to all of you, as young children whom she drove to Vacation Bible School, packed in the station wagon — before seatbelt laws — please know that you brought great joy to Rosalie). She appreciated book collections gifted to her by daughter Ilene. She loved sewing. Particularly clothing, various fabric items, often gifted to others, and doll clothes. She cherished the dolls she collected. And, she preserved quarts and gallons of fruits and vegetables, frequently sharing with others.
In the 1970s, after working as an aide at the “old” Cottage Grove Hospital, she returned to school, earning a Medical Office Assistant Associate Degree at Lane Community College (LCC). In the ‘80s she became a Certified Medical Assistant. Then returned to LCC taking medical transcription classes. She could spell perfectly throughout her life. At the “old” Cottage Grove Hospital, Volunteers in Medicine Eugene, and PeaceHealth Cottage Grove Hospital, Rosalie volunteered thousands upon thousands of hours of service.
She was predeceased by her parents Noah and Lois Whitmore; her brothers, Robert, Richard, Chet Whitmore and sister-in-law JoAnn Whitmore; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John and Betty Macauley, Doyle and Anna Farnsworth, Delores Macauley, Ben Macauley, Helene Macauley and Martha Macauley; her newborn infant son, William Paul; and brother-in-law Paul Macauley on May 3, 2021.
Rosalie is survived and cherished by her husband, William T. Macauley; children Katherine Macauley Weibel, Edwin (April) Macauley, David (Cherity) Macauley, Ilene Macauley, Thomas (Jill) Macauley and John Macauley; grandchildren Vincent Weibel and girlfriend Kaitlynn McKirgan, Kluane (Paul) Weibel Gorsuch, Jennifer (Chris) Olson, Christopher (Cassidy) Macauley, Sara Moore, and Ryan, Wilson and Hope Macauley; great-grandchildren Triniti and Violet Moore and Gavin Olson; her sister Wanda (Bill) Vander Laan; sisters-in-law: Ethel Mikey Whitmore, Helen Whitmore, Melbia Whitmore; brother, William (Bobbie) Whitmore; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Dave Macauley, Arlene Macauley, Edward and Mamie Macauley. Additionally she is survived by numerous relatives including dear nieces and nephews and dear grand nieces and nephews.
Wm. T. is staying in Alaska due to his medical issues, while his wife, Rosalie was staying in Oregon due to her medical issues. Rosalie will be dearly missed by her loved ones. A memorial service via Zoom will be held at a future date.
Rosalie’s favorite Bible verse was: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths” Proverbs 3:5-6.
