Vera "Tilly" Roop

Vera “Tilly” Roop, age 91, died Friday, February 16, 2024, from natural causes. She is preceded in death by her parents, Silas and LaVida Barton of Walla Walla, WA, and by her daughter, Rena of Olympia, WA. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Robert Roop; her daughter, Robin Smith of Bellevue, WA; and her son, James Roop (Carolee) of Walla Walla. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren (David, Monica, Jesse, Wesley, Casi, Courtney, Stephen, Patrisha, and Lance); and her two sisters, Elvira Sims of Walla Walla and Clarice Kiesecker of Enterprise, Oregon; and brother, Emmett Barton of Colorado Springs; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Vera was born August 9, 1932, during a family picnic down by the river in Minam, Oregon! She attended Wallowa, Oregon schools, graduating from Wallowa High School in 1950 and married her high school sweetheart (Robert) shortly after graduation. Word has it: they eloped to Boise, Idaho, for the wedding! Together, they raised their three children (Rena, Robin, and Jim) in Walla Walla…. and had many adventures along the way. Tilly enjoyed bowling, softball, golfing, card games, and family gatherings. She played piano by ear, loved music of any kind, and enjoyed dancing the night away!

Tilly started her career as a telephone operator, a dental assistant, and then a bookkeeper, which eventually led to an accounting position at the Washington State Penitentiary (Industries) in 1969. She migrated to the position of Correctional Officer, became the first female Seargent, and worked nearly 25 years for the State.

Most of all, Tilly loved being with her family. She was a very loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and grandmother. Nothing brightened her day like a visit, phone call, or picture from family, and she was surrounded by them until her last breath. She lived a long and full life and has left us all with a great legacy.

A “Celebration of Life” honoring Vera is planned for March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to a charity of your choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.