Who We Are

Roslyn Cemetery Team Members:


Chair and Community Resource:

Richard Watts

Dick was elected Chair of the Roslyn Cemetery Commission in 2008. He immediately wrote a 10 year Master Capital Projects Plan for restoring Roslyn’s Historic Cemeteries, that was approved by the city.  The city was unable to provide funding for the planned projects, so he developed a series of ethnic celebrations and a 501(c)3 designed to provide the resources required for completing all phases of restoration work.  He developed a relationship with the staff at Central Washington University and encouraged and funded their participation in locating unmarked babies graves. This partnership over the past several years has provided valuable experience for CWU students, staff and community volunteers.

Dick worked with the families of those interred and local business to successfully fund all cemetery projects listed in the original Master Capital Projects Plan.  His goal of returning a sense of pride of ownership to these hallowed grounds has been realized. Humanities Washington recognized Dick as in 2010 with their Humanities Washington Award celebrating achievement in the public humanities. Watts received the award for his work to restore, protect, and promote the importance of Roslyn’s historic cemeteries.  In October 2023 at a ceremony celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Croatian Memorial Monument in Roslyn’s National Croatian Cemetery, Dick was honored with a certificate of recognition in the name of the Croatian Embassy in Washington, D.C., as well as the Consulate General in Los Angeles, in appreciation of his hard work and dedication in promoting Croatia, its rich heritage, history, and culture.  

Genealogist and Historians:

Lynda Solter

Lynda assists with the genealogical and historical research behind the Roslyn Cemeteries. She discovered her love for genealogy while researching her family history as a hobby after retiring from the Boeing Company. Her vast knowledge, detailed research, and keen detective skills provide a significant amount of enriching and fascinating information for the interactive digital kiosk. Lynda also volunteers her time on projects with the Kittitas County Heritage Society. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, children, and doting on her grandchildren.  Learn more about “Accidental Genealogist” here: https://rrchc.com/accidental-genealogist-lynda-solter/

 

Pam Sloane

 

Project Manager:

Emily Gass

Emily supports the Roslyn Cemetery Kiosk through her assistance as a project manager, helping oversee the functionality of website and kiosk data, software support, and coordination with project partners. She enjoys working alongside the other passionate members on the Cemetery Committee to help showcase the rich history of the Roslyn Cemetery.

Outside of volunteering Emily works as a Producer, creating digital experiences in the AR, VR, and greater immersive technology space. 

 

Media, Marketing, & Research:

Beverly Prkacin Read

Beverly served as Project Manager for the Croatian Memorial Monument working with an outstanding team including Ivo Gregov,, architect designer and Robb Stilnovich, builder and installer. Dedication was May 26, 2018.

In 2021 her task was to place 14 headstones on previously unmarked graves in the Slovak Cemetery plus a commemorative stone recognizing all babies in the Roslyn Cemetery complex.  The Babies Monument was dedicated May 30, 2021.
 
Communication, collaboration and celebrations are important to her.  She brings her experience not only of life and her profession as a real estate broker but her community service leadership as well.   
 
Beverly enjoys her family and grandchildren, the outdoors , especially Mt. Rainier, aviation and more.
 

Roslyn Ronald Cle Elum Heritage Club President:

Maria Adams

Maria is the Roslyn Ronald Cle Elum President and assists the Roslyn Cemetery Team with communication, outreach, and fundraising.  Maria has always been interested in history and historic preservation. She also enjoys traveling, gardening, yoga, motorcycling, snowmobiling, and spending time in the outdoors with friends and family.