Beatrice E. Rogalski

Beatrice Elizabeth (Styx) Rogalski passed away on Thursday, November 27th, 2014 at the age of 94 following an extended battle with cancer. She was born March 18th, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, and then moved to Michigan at an early age with her parents William Styx and Phyllis (Budjick) Styx. She graduated from St. Mary’s College of Nursing in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1941 as a Registered Nurse and did graduate work in obstetrics. Beatrice worked in the Public Health Service and Red Cross systems. It was in this profession that she met her husband of 45 years, Floyd John Rogalski, MD. They married in Grand Haven, Michigan on October 17th, 1942. After World War II they moved to the Cle Elum-Roslyn area. Together they had seven children.

Bea’s son, Richard, preceded her in death in 1959 and her husband, Floyd, in 1987. She is survived by her children, Mary Alice Rogalski, Ronald Raymond Rogalski, Rose Marie and Tom Howard, Floyd John and Rachele Rogalski, Lillian Kay Ryen and Constance Ann and Gerard Wanechek, 13 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren, her sister, Phyllis Leatherman, and her brother, Donald Styx, both living in Grand Haven, Michigan.

While in Upper Kittitas County, Bea worked as a medical secretary for her husband’s practice and as a “nurse on call” for her husband’s patients, later working at the Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home. Bea lived a full life surrounded by family, friends, hard work, and lots of laughter. She was active with the school and community and a devout Catholic. She was a member of the Altar Societies of Immaculate Conception and St. John the Baptist Catholic Churches, Young Ladies Institute (YLI), and participated in organizations such as the Federated Women’s Club, Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), Polish National Alliance (PNA), Cub Scouts, and Campfire Girls and owned the Valley School of Cosmetology in Ellensburg. When home she was often found in her greenhouse, which she called her “pride and joy” or sitting by the window crocheting and watching the birds. She was a book lover, loved to travel in her RV and liked to go to the casinos and test her luck. Bea was crowned Upper County Pioneer Days Queen in 2009.

She enjoyed a healthy life until diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. She was a cancer survivor of 19 years but was later diagnosed with a new cancer. Even with her health deteriorating, she always managed a smile and good front whenever she had a visitor. It’s that smile that brings us all comfort as we say good bye and see you soon. The funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cle Elum on Friday, December 5th at 11 A.M. Rosary will be recited on Thursday, December 4th at 7 P.M. at St. John’s in Cle Elum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: North Star Lodge, 808 North 39th Avenue, Yakima WA 98902; The KVH Foundation, 603 S Chestnut St., Ellensburg, WA 98926; St. John’s Altar Society, 303 W 2nd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922; or a charity of your choice.