Rosanne Sage

Mary Rosanne (Rose) Sage died at home on Friday, March 19, 2010, surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rose was born on June 19, 1931 to Gerald and Rita Wheeler in Union Gap, WA. She grew up on the family dairy farm along with her two brothers, Tom and Logan Wheeler. Rose graduated from Yakima Senior High and attended Yakima Valley College. While there she met, and later married, Edward A. Sage. They were married for 49 years and their three children, Julia, Logan and Rachel were blessed to have been adopted by them. Rose dedicated her life to raising her children and volunteering in the Wenatchee area. When her kids were younger she volunteered on the YMCA board and taught swimming. As they grew up she immersed herself in their activities, serving as campfire leader, and eventually spent her time in their athletic and musical endeavors. Her love of the outdoors led to many summers filled with wonderful family hikes all along the Pacific Crest trail. Rose also became a major, loving influence to her three grandsons. What started as a mother's dedication to her children led to a lifetime involvement in the theatre. For over 30 years she continued to costume and usher at Wenatchee High School musicals, the Music Theatre of Wenatchee, and the Performing Arts Center (PAC). She most recently spent many years as house manager of the PAC and was instrumental in organizing what is now a close-knit group of friends that enjoy ushering together. During the development of the PAC she even kept the place functioning and helped train the current executive director. While there, Rose met Ronald E. Wallis with whom she spent 3 years of her life. They enjoyed traveling, attending plays and Broadway musicals, and reveled in the joy of daily life together. Ron succumbed to cancer in January of 2007. Rose is preceded in death by her parents, her friend Ron, and one son-in-law Anthony James Benjamin, Sr. She is survived by her daughter Julia Rose Barcott & husband Mark of Yakima, daughter Rachel Rosanne Benjamin & Jeff Johnson of Wenatchee, son Logan Edward Sage & wife Cindy of Union Gap, and former husband and friend Edward A. Sage of Wenatchee. She is also survived by her brother Thomas H. Wheeler & wife Doris of Yakima, brother Logan D. Wheeler & wife Linda of Kennewick, and three beloved grandsons Anthony James Benjamin, Jr, James Earl Gallaher III, and Brandon Edward Barcott. Rose leaves behind a large circle of friends in the theatre community, life long neighbors, her daily Starbucks group and dear family friends Jay & Joan Roeter and their family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lukes Episcopal Church. A celebration of her life will be held at the PAC on Sunday, April 11, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Fellowship and fond remembrances will be the atmosphere at the celebration. If you would like to share a song, story, or other, the family encourages and welcomes it. A piano and mic will be available. Additionally, the family is setting up a memorial scholarship fund. A contribution can be made to this fund at the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the PAC, Music Theatre of Wenatchee or the American Cancer Society. The family would like to especially thank Dr. David Notter and the clinic oncology and chemotherapy departments, Dr. Gail Feinman, and Central Washington Hospital Hospice-especially Trish and Cindy.

Rosanne Sage

June 19, 1931 - March 19, 2010