Lucille Ruth Rose

Lucille Ruth Rose, a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many, peacefully departed this world to be with the Lord on November 11, 2023, at the age of 96. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, November 20, at 1:00 pm at the chapel at Crossings Community Church.  Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband who preceded her in death.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 5, 1926, Lucille and her family moved to Indianapolis shortly thereafter, where she grew up as the middle child of three siblings. Born during the Great Depression, Lucille embraced the thrifty traits of The Greatest Generation, by putting herself through college with determination and hard work. She graduated magna cum laude from Butler University, where she was a member of Pi Kappa Phi, demonstrating her love for learning. She remained curious her entire life.

Lucille's early journey led her to become an English, Spanish and French teacher at Manual High School, where she inspired and educated young minds. Fate intervened at a military party, where she met her future husband, Howard R. Rose, who was on leave from the Army. Their love story unfolded across continents, as Lucille traveled solo across the Atlantic to be with him culminating in two marriage ceremonies, one by the Germans and one by the Americans in 1952.

After living in Germany, The Roses settled in Indianapolis before relocating to Oklahoma, Howard’s home state in 1956, where they built a loving family of six daughters. Lucille settled into her role guiding and nurturing her large family and being a wonderful wife to a young executive. She was active at their small church St. Paul’s Lutheran, the PTA at various Putnam City Schools, homeroom mom duties, cooking, cleaning, and chauffeuring her six Rose girls around their many and abundant activities.

Tragedy struck when Howard passed away suddenly in 1970, leaving Lucille to raise their daughters alone. Undeterred, she pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in psychology from Oklahoma City University. Lucille went on to establish Alcohol Training and Education, the first DUI School in Oklahoma.  She was instrumental in writing the legislation and curriculum for the state.  She counseled countless individuals with substance abuse problems for almost half a century. Her operation is still thriving today.  Her heart for others, including her patience and love for many carried through her whole life. Always striving, always helping others, and being a relevant and vital person. Her work ethic exceeded most of her peers for a very long time.

Known for her unwavering strength and strong will, Lucille was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Lucille's impact extended beyond family, touching the lives of friends, neighbors, and even strangers who sought her wise counsel. Everyone loved Lucille! She was fun, funny, charming and a true intellectual who was known for always doing what was right though never taking herself too seriously.

A vibrant soul, who could always be counted on for her wisdom, direction, and cheerful optimism. Her work ethic, compassion, and commitment to helping others persisted until her retirement just a year ago. Lucille leaves behind a legacy of tremendous love, that will be cherished by generations to come.

Remarkably, after raising a houseful of women, Lucille became Grandmother to 14 Grandsons whom she adored and was equally delighted by her 5 lovely Granddaughters. She was a Great-Grandmother to 17 children who affectionately called her “Great.”

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband Howard R. Rose, her parents, Olivia Jane and Robert R. Cassel, and siblings, Dorothy Wyss and Bob Cassel. Her legacy is carried on by her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Hank Kraft of OKC; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Marty Rafferty of Kansas City; daughter Terri Rose White of Rockwall, TX; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Joe Barry of OKC; daughter and son-in-law Melanie “Mimi” Reber and Bryan Hollingsead of OKC; daughter and son-in-law Megan Rose and Joe Wilson of Dallas, TX; and grandchildren April DeQuasie (Brent), Brian Kraft (Heather), Jeff Kraft (Caitlyn), Michael (Abby), Erick Rafferty (Angel), Erin Ragsdale (Joe), Alan Rafferty (Carrie), Adam Rafferty, Ben White (Emily), Max White (Chelsea), Lucy Roitman (Alex), Andrew Barry (Lexi), William Barry, Holly Brooks (Coy), Sam Reber (Sarah), Kirby Darras (Samir), Jackson Reber, Griffin Taber, Jake Taber, her lively great-grandchildren, special niece, Carol Cassel Baker, and many other nieces and nephews, along with a large community of friends, admirers and employees. 

“Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: many women do noble things but you excel them all”

Proverbs 31:28-29

To view funeral service please visit https://vimeo.com/event/3880219/ab45e0522a