Loy R. Rose

Loy passed away at his home in Goodyear, Arizona on October 20th, 2020, after a short illness. He was 97 years old. Loy Ruble Rose was born on May 11, 1923 to Ola Rose & L.C. Rose in Pyatt, Arkansas. He was the middle of five children born to the couple. 

Growing up, Loy was nicknamed “Funny”. He was at ease visiting with anyone he came in contact with. He never knew a stranger. He was an optimistic person, who had a smile for everyone. A favorite quote his son remembers hearing from him was, “We have lots of options”. He loved his family, and his family loved him. He also loved The LORD, and could be heard just a few weeks ago in bed, saying his nightly prayer. He said the most thoughtful public prayers too. 

Loy possessed an excellent work ethic all his life up until his retirement. He was in grade school during the Great Depression, and only attended through the 8th grade. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (known as the CCC) for 2 years, when he was 16-17 years old. He was paid $1 a day and was able to send $25 a month home to his family. After this, he worked for his father as a farmhand on a 300 acre farm. He drove a team plowing, planting cultivating and harvesting of cotton, corn and wheat. He also drove a 1 1/2 ton truck hauling supplies and produce. His last day of employment for his father was December 8, 1942. 

On February 8, 1943, during WWII he entered the Army, just a few months short of his 20th birthday. He spent some time as a cook & baker. This may have been where he perfected his Cabbage Soup, filled with root vegetables. He made this for his family twice within the last 8 years. 

Loy also received training as a Gunman & Light Artillery. This training was put to use when he arrived with his outfit in February 1944, and took part in the Invasion of France. Six months later, on August 22, 1944, Loy was wounded in battle with a wooded bullet in his right arm, which earned him a Purple Heart. He spent many months in the hospital. He was discharged from the Army on April 9, 1945, just a month short of his 22nd birthday. 

Like so many Veterans, Loy did not speak of the memories he had until much, much later. He also never told us about the nightmares, until a year ago when his Dr. prodded it out of him during a check up at the VA. 

Sometime later, Loy made his way to Washington State. It was there that he met and married Oniva M. Brown in Ellensburg, WA. on February 3, 1947. He used his GI Bill to purchase his first apple orchard in Tieton, WA. He had other business ventures over the years, and also worked in road construction. Lastly, his time was spent as an orchardist in Selah, Washington. 

Loy was baptized into Christ in 1960 and was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for 60 years. After a time, Loy served as a deacon in Yakima, Washington for a several years. 

Together, Loy and Oniva were a steadfast Christian couple and were wonderful examples for all who knew them. They were very hospitable and entertained numerous friends and family into their home for meals. Oniva was a great cook and loved to treat others. There was a lot of laughter during these times. 

Loy and Oniva were married 36 years, when Oniva passed away from cancer on June 12, 1983 at 57 years young. 

Loy married his 2nd wife, Jean Shepherd, in August of 1985. She was also a widow in the church in California, whose husband had passed away from cancer a week before Oniva. 

After living in Selah for a few years, they moved to Sun City, Arizona. They had a wonderful group of friends that they enjoyed from their church home at West Olive Church of Christ. Loy enjoyed playing pool at the clubhouse and they shared meals out with friends every Sunday. Loy was very generous, and many times, picked up the tab of others. They lived in Sun City for about 10 years. 

Every day, Loy displayed the “Fruits of the Spirit” spoke of in the Bible in Galatians 5:22-23. He was a faithful Christian, a dedicated husband, a wonderful Dad, a super Grandpa, and a loyal friend. He never complained, didn’t argue, and never “gave his 2 cents” when others around him, were less than perfect. 

Loy Rose was preceded in death by his parents, Ola (Davis) Rose, Dodd, & L.C. Rose, his first wife of 36 years, Oniva Rose, his sister, Moyra Tabor and brothers, Warren, Gerald, and Eugene Rose. 

He is survived by his second wife of 35 years, Imogene (Jean) Rose along with her family, his son, Rick (Chris), his daughter Sue (Doug), 5 Grandchildren~ Kayla Rose Warner (Jeremy), Gavin Richard Rose, Jenna Marie Rose, Rachel Rose Waldon (Ben) and Jennifer Nicole Short. 11 Great Grandchildren~ Levi James Warner, Miles Jacob Warner, Lexi Rachelle Rose, Skylar Davis Erickson, Addison Melody Rose, Carter Logan Short, Sophia Rose Waldon, Aurora Kay Waldon, Priya Rose Short, Sydney Nicole Mings, and Wynne Gracie Mings, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and his church family. 

Loy was laid to rest on October 29, 2020 at Terrace Memorial Park, Yakima, Washington next to his first wife, Oniva Madge Rose. 

The family plan to have a memorial service in June 2020 in Yakima, Washington, with full military honors. The date TBD. 

The family wishes to thank Savior Hospice of Phoenix, AZ, who made it possible for their Dad to return home and be with his family. 

The family requests that memorial donations be made to: Sacred Selections at Sacredselections.org in lieu of any flowers. Thank you.

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