Ruby H. Rose

Ruby H. Rose, age 102, died on September 25, 2009, at her home. Born in Independence, VA, she was the daughter of the late Howard Cleveland and Dell Beck Haga and wife of the late Walker C. Rose. A member of Calvary Baptist Church since 1974, she enjoyed quilting and crocheting. She made afghans for all of her children and grandchildren and made 102 neck scarves to give to her friends since Christmas. She enjoyed gardening and worked with her vegetables and flowers until she was 96 years old. An artist and novelist, she published her memoirs in the book "This is the House That Papa Built in 1909, The Story of My Life." It took her about a year to write it, with her daughter Bonnie, typing it and adding the pictures that Mrs. Rose had accumulated over the years. It outlined her life from her earliest memories at three years old, on through the Great Depression in the 1930's, as well as the trials and tribulations that she endured during her life. She talked about her mother, Dell, who was the first woman in Grayson County, VA, to vote, and what it was like living through two world wars. Although it wasn't officially published, it has been read by several people, including family and friends, and there is a copy at the library of Calvary Baptist Church.

Mrs. Rose is survived by her son, Larry B. Cox, of TX; daughters, Nancy C. Gentry, of Bel Air, MD, and Bonnie Nell Wrubleski, of Strongsville, OH; sisters, June Moxley, of Independence, VA, and Pauline Carrico, of Galax, VA; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her son, Howard Cleveland Cox; stepson, Thomas M. Rose; brother, Ernest Haga; and sisters, Mildred Cox, Eula Osborne, and Ruth Moxley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Piano Fund, 206 East Courtland Place, Bel Air, MD 21014.