Wayne J. Roos, 100

The end of a life well-lived. He made the world a better place with his kindness and goodwill for those around him. Family members and friends are rich with the gift of his life. He was always available to listen to his children when they needed him.

Wayne J. Roos, age 100, passed away Jan. 13, 2024. He was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Afton, Wyo. His mother passed away when he was just 5 years old. During Wayne’s growing up years, his father was often away shearing sheep in neighboring states to support his 11 children. He passed away when Wayne was in high school, but Wayne grew up surrounded by 10 loving brothers and sisters who helped him to love life, serve others, and appreciate a bit of good-natured teasing.

Growing up in the depths of the Great Depression, Wayne had a lot of responsibility early in life. As a young boy, he was responsible for bringing the day’s water into the house, driving a hay stacker, and shoveling the walkway to the outhouse during the winter. His sisters recall with fondness (and maybe a little bit of lingering irritation) the time when instead of shoveling a straight path through the deep snow, Wayne shoveled a much longer winding path that quadrupled the time the shivering sisters would have to spend in the bitter cold on their way to the bathroom, all while Wayne watched from the roof of the house and chuckled. 

Wayne met his forever sweetheart, Gweneth Hoopes, while they were in high school. Gwen recalls telling her mother about Wayne when they first started to date and being encouraged to pursue the relationship because Gwen’s mother knew and respected Wayne’s mother.

Shortly after high school, Wayne had a strong desire to serve his country and joined the Navy. His eyesight was too poor to qualify. Not being one to let obstacles get in his way, he memorized the eye chart. He began his service in the days prior to the day Pearl Harbor was attacked and served for the entirety of World War II, much of it on the battleship, USS Tennessee, where he served as gunner’s mate. He married Gwen in the Logan Temple while he was on shore leave, and their first daughter Linda was born while he was away at sea. He met her for the first time on another shore leave when Linda was 6 months old.

After the war, Wayne and Gwen made their home in Sandpoint, Idaho, where they raised their children in a warm and loving home. Wayne went to work for the post office in Sandpoint as a letter carrier and a postal clerk. He was well-respected for his honesty and his personal connection with the people he served. He remembered their names right along with their addresses, and they loved him.

Wayne was a strong and faithful Christian. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different volunteer capacities in the Church. He served as financial clerk, ward clerk, and stake clerk for over 27 years, and he also served as the bishop of the local congregation in Sandpoint.

When Wayne retired, he discovered artistic skills. He especially liked working with oils and enjoyed painting portraits and landscapes. His paintings are highly prized by family members.

Cards and Christmas letters were often signed “Grumpa” to the delight of his posterity.

Wayne is preceded in death by a son, Vernon Hyrum Roos; grandson Brian Wayne Marks, granddaughters Karalee Michelle King, Stephanie Faye Roos, and grandson Eric Roos. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Hyrum and May Roos; brother Walt, brother Roy, sister Goldie, sister Wanda, sister Wilda, sister Blanche, sister Wyoma, and sister Valier. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen; and his six children: Linda (Glen) Marks, Ellen (Jerry) Wells, Karen (Clyde) Callen, Cynthia (Rod) Hill, Shirley (Bruce) Devenport, and Steve (Rebecca) Roos; sisters, Neoma Soelberg and Relia Skinner; as well as many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Wayne and Gwen have been an inspiration to their posterity, which include umpteen grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, from 2 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time at Coffelt Funeral Home, 109 N. Division Ave., Sandpoint. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 602 Schweitzer Cutoff Road in Sandpoint. Services will be live streamed at www.youtube.com/live/AQAXBXZBh28?si=QlSRpJ-xadBdC4LC. Interment will take place in Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Special thanks to the staff of Life Care of Sandpoint, who went above and beyond in caring for Wayne. 

Family and friends are invited to sign Wayne’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Coffelt Funeral Home.