Aug. 29, 1957-April 27, 2015
COLVILLE, Wash. • Karla D. Rumsey, a 28-year resident of Colville, Wash., passed away Monday, April 27, 2015, in Spokane, Wash., at the age of 57.
Karla was born Aug. 29, 1957, in Twin Falls, Idaho, the daughter of William Henry and Shirley Ann (Pence) Wetzstein. Karla was raised in Buhl and Burley, Idaho, where she attended school. She finished her primary education in Burley, as a 1975 graduate from Burley High School. Following high school, Karla began working as a waitress.
During this time, she met a young college graduate named Steven Bliss Rumsey, who was teaching at the local high school. Their friendship soon grew into marriage when wedding bells rang on April 4, 1980. Karla and Steve’s love for each other carried into the love for their children. Karla worked both in and out of the home, caring and supporting her family. In 1987, the Rumseys moved their family to Colville. Karla and Steve opened The Book Depot in Colville, which they operated for more than 15 years. While operating The Book Depot, they began publishing the North Columbia Monthly.
Karla enjoyed working along side Steve and continued to publish the North Columbia Monthly following his passing on Oct. 21, 2010. She enjoyed the people of Northeast Washington and continued to reside in Colville, where she cherished the many visits from family, close friends and the constant affection of her canine companions. Karla gave of herself completely to her marriage and family. Her role as wife and mother was embraced as her identity and purpose. Karla also opened her home to three foster children in need. She offered her heart to those with whom her path crossed and often carried with her their burdens. She had a strong conviction to serve others with her humility, loyalty and sensitivity. At the same time, her privacy gave her sweet soul reprieve and rest. Karla’s beautiful yard and garden were the fruit of her many hours of labor and love. She also enjoyed kayaking, time in the outdoors, fishing, cooking and family excursions both local and of greater distance.
Karla was preceded in death by her husband, Steve. She is survived by her son, Jason Rumsey and his wife, Tiffany of Spokane Valley, Wash.; two daughters, Melissa Fitzgerald and her husband, Christopher of Bellingham, Wash., and Gretchen Rumsey-Richardson and her husband, Monte of Bellingham, Wash.; six grandchildren, Jaden, Zoe, Lydia, Madelyn, Olivia and Ari; parents, William and Shirley Wetzstein of Twin Falls, Idaho; sister, Lynette Conway and her husband, Larry of Twin Falls, Idaho; two brothers, Kent Wetzstein and his wife, Pam of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Larry Wetzstein of Twin Falls, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Karla was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Colville Community College in Colville, Wash.
Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114 is entrusted with the arrangements.
(Published in the Times News Sunday, May 3, 2015)