Roxie M. Countryman

Passed away on February 4, 2010 at the age of 96 in East Wenatchee. Rocky was born August 11, 1913 in Valley, WA. He was the fifth of 13 children born to Catherine and Frank Countryman. In 1932, Rocky joined the Navy Volunteer Communication Reserve unit in Spokane. From 1933 -1946 he served on active duty in the Navy, rising from seaman on the U.S.S. Roper (DD-147) to Aviation Radio and Radar Officer on U.S.S. Norton Sound (AV-11), cited for his performance under enemy air attack at Okinawa. Rocky retired from the Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant.Rocky married Alberta L. Collis in 1938, when he was a Navy Radioman 1C. Alberta preceded him in death on October 28, 2006. In civilian life in Spokane, Rocky was a journeyman electrician with IBEW Local Union No. 73. He was employed for many years and retired from WA State Labor and Industries as an Electrical Inspector. He also taught Continuing Ed classes on the National Electrical Code. As a member of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Rocky worked on revisions to the Code. He was amateur radio operator WA7GNL and participated in the Navy Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS). Rocky's life was centered around his family. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Spokane. Rocky is survived by a brother, Robert Marr; his children, daughter, Vivian and son-in-law, Dick Ettinger, daughter, Teressa Dowell, son, Charles Countryman and daughter-in-law, Kathleen, and daughter, Janie Countryman. Recently Rocky lived near Janie in Wenatchee at Bonaventure Retirement Community. He is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Rocky's remains will be laid to rest next to his beloved Alberta in Fairmount Memorial Park. Services will be held in the Sunset Chapel, 5200 W. Wellesley, on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home. 1306 N. Monroe is in charge of arrangements.