Rosaline Phillips James

Rosaline Phillips James, 85, Revered Elder of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great-Grandmother passed on from her Nespelem, Washington home Tuesday afternoon, September 20, 2022.

Rosaline was born in Harrah, Washington to Matthew and Maggie Johnson-Phillips on Friday, July 16, 1937. A member of the Catholic Church faithfully saw to it that the altar was set up and prepared for Mass.

Rosaline worked for 17 years at "Snokist" and 26 years at "Del Monte" canneries as an oiler, stocker, end of season peeler, trimmer, clean-up crew, warehouse, and machine crew. Rosaline enjoyed going to the sweatlodge, picking huckleberries and other fresh fruit to preserve in jars at home, going to bingo, yard sales, doing crafts and much to her family's delight – "Cooking." Rosaline was a wonderful cook and her family especially looked forward to the aroma of fresh pies drifting from her kitchen. Above all, Rosaline loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she adored.

Rosaline is preceded in death by both of her parents; husband, Eddie James Jr .; son, Sammy Butterfly and siblings: Elery Phillips, Pauline Miller, Hank Phillips, Vernita Phillips-Yahyowan, Darlene Phillips and Lauretta Johnson.

Her proud legacy lives on through her children: James Butterfly, Donna Butterfly, Dennis Butterfly, Annie Charlie (Steve), and Freda Butterfly (Dwane); 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Rosaline's Wish is: "May God be with my family after I leave this Country. Country, may God watch over me."

Rosaline's children would like to send a heartfelt "Thank You" to the family and friends who loved and cared for her.

A family dressing was held for Rosaline at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee, Washington at 10:00am on Thursday, September 22, 2022. This was followed with a Rosary and Wake that evening at the Catholic Long House in Nespelem, Washington. Funeral Services were held at the Catholic Longhouse Friday morning the 23rd of September, 2022 and immediately followed with graveside services in the Chief Joseph (Nez Perce) Cemetery in Nespelem.

Strate Funeral Home is assisting Rosaline's family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneral.com.