In Loving Memory of Rosemary A. States

Rosemary Alexander States graced this world on May 1, 1942, in Alton Illinois. Born to the union of

Wardell Alexander and Maggie Lee Ferrill. Rosemary was the fourth of eight girls. On April 16, 2023, God graced heaven and called her home.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her father Wardell Alexander, and mother Maggie Lee Ferrill, and four sisters, Wilbertine (Tina) Alexander-Mustafa, Judith Ann Alexander Spearman, Barbara Ann Harris, and Alberta Lee Alexander-Murphy.

Rosemary didn’t have a middle name, but if I had been able to give her one it would have been “Tenacious”. Rosemary strived to excel in each endeavor and challenge that came her way. Rosemary is a product of Alton, Illinois and brought to Seattle Washington by our parents Maggie Lee Ferrill Alexander and Wardell Alexander in the year 1947. Rosemary, now a product of Seattle, Washington ‘s Central Area attended both Horace Mann and Bailey Gatzert elementary schools, Washington Junior High, and graduated from Garfield high school in 1961.

Rosemary started her working career for the Boeing Aircraft Company in the now historic “Developmental Center Building” located at 9725 E. Marginal Way S, Tukwila, Washington in the year 1963-1964.

Rosemary also operated a privately owned Dry-Cleaning business in the Central District located on 24th and Union for many years under the name of “Nu Way Cleaners” from 1972 to 1975. In 1976 “Nu Way Cleaners” changed ownership name to “Emanon Cleaners” owned by Rosemary and her husband.

Rosemary changed professions in 1975 to work for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company. Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company was merged with Qwest Communications and Rosemary continued working until retirement in 2009.

In 1987 while still working for Qwest Communications Rosemary started her own Rel Estate, Inc Business filing April 1987 and ended February 08, 2022.

Rosemary left to mourn her three beloved sisters. Gloria Jean Bredehoeft of Des Moines, Washington, Sherie Alexander of San Francisco, California, and Dinah Marie Alexander-Harris of Federal Way, Washington. Beloved Guardian to Great-Great Niece Shauntay Smith of Bellevue, Washington and Great-Great Nephew Jermaine/Jermane Smith of Bellevue, Washington, Rosemary raised and loved as her own from age nine and seven respectively, also many nieces, Great nieces and nephews, cousins, and childhood friends from near and far.

In lieu of flowers. Our family is asking that donations are made in her honor and name to the March of Dimes.