Rose A. Badda

Rose Ann (Cvitkovich) Badda of Roslyn, Washington and native of Seattle, Washington passed away on January 26, 2026. Her sudden death at home came as quite a shock as she was only diagnosed with extreme teasing, leg cramps, her love for sports and singing “You are my Sunshine”.

Rose was born on March 30, 1930, to John and Matilda (Prpich) Cvitkovich, who emigrated from Prizna and Zagreb, Croatia. They had five children: Mary, Helen, Joe, John, and Rose. The Cvitkovich family formed a Tamburitza band and played at various events, including parades in Roslyn and Cle Elum. Although Rose was too young to play an instrument, that never stopped her love for Croatian music. She would often break into song whenever a grandchild was sitting on her lap.

Rose grew up on Sturgus Street in Seattle and loved to dance. She spent many Friday and Saturday nights at the Trianon Ballroom. She met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Badda, while walking past the Veterans Hospital near her home. Bob served in the U.S. Navy, and the two were married in 1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Seattle. Rose was 20 years old.

The couple moved to Roslyn, where Bob worked in the coal mines. Together they raised four children: Roxann, Jeri, BJ, and Carolyn. Rose was a busy and devoted housewife, shopping at the NWI company store and keeping her household running. One of her specialties was homemade noodles—though the children preferred to eat them raw before they ever made it into the pot. Another favorite was sarma (pigs in a blanket). Rose loved attending the annual Croatian picnics and dances at the Croatian Lodge and continued to attend the picnics at Runge Field in Roslyn for many years.

Summers were spent camping at Salmon La Sac, often for weeks at a time. Rose swam exclusively using the side stroke and insisted the children bathe at the end of each day in a large washtub.

As the children grew older, Rose worked seasonally at mink farms in the Upper County during Christmas time—much to the family’s dismay over the lingering smell on her clothes. Eventually, Rose earned her driver’s license, opening a new chapter of independence. She carpooled to Ellensburg with her daughter Jeri and worked seasonally at Twin City Foods. After 16 years of ten-hour shifts, Rose retired.

Rose had an unmistakable love for dogs. She kept treats ready for every dog in the neighborhood, firmly believing no walk past her home should ever go unrewarded. Her own dogs, Boozer and Charliza, were dearly loved members of the family, and her many “granddogs” were always front and center at family gatherings, tails wagging with excitement.

Rose enjoyed weekly trips to Safeway, posting on Facebook, and playing the slot machines at Snoqualmie Casino. If she couldn’t make it to the casino, she gambled online or played the Washington Lottery. Gambling clearly ran in the family—her mother Matilda was still going to Longacres Racetrack at age 75…gambling is in the Croatian blood.

A devoted sports fan, Rose watched both college and professional sports, but especially loved the Seahawks, Mariners, and Seattle Storm. She enjoyed attending games in person and even managed to get Shaun Alexander’s autograph.

At age 91, Rose was crowned Pioneer Queen in 2021. She was originally selected in 2020, but her coronation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic—just her luck.

Rose is survived by her four children: Roxann (Bob) Snow, Jeri (Scott) Runyon, BJ (Cece) Badda, and Carolyn (Tim) Bednar. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brett Snow; Desi (Brian) Gibb; Cody (Brandyce) Giustetti; Kelly Giustetti; Boone (Kelsey) Badda; and Shane Peterson. Her great-grandchildren include Chad, Annika, Caroline, Julia, Brooke, Harper, Taylor, Shia, and Tinsley. She is also survived by great-great-grandchildren Vai Vai, Asha, and Naizea.

Rose was preceded in death by her grandfather George Prpich; her parents John and Matilda (Prpich) Cvitkovich; her stepfather Nick Corak; her siblings Mary Stilnovich, Helen Richter, Joe Cvitkovich, and John Cvitkovich; her beloved husband Bob Badda; great-grandchild Aurora; and nephews John, Mish, and Matt.

Rose will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was an incredible woman with a zest for life and an infectious laugh—one that lives on through her children, grandchildren, and generations to come.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Roslyn Veterans Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Roslyn Eagles.

To keep those tails wagging and treats abundant, donations in memory of Rose may be made to ARRF Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 670 Roslyn, WA 98941.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Cle Elum. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com