Carol Rose

A celebration of life for Carol will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Ardmore, Oklahoma. 

Carol Frances Saulsberry Rose was born on November 27, 1936, to Charles and Mary Saulsberry, whom she adored throughout her life. She passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at the age of 89.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 52 years, Dr. David Rose; her parents, Charles and Mary Saulsberry; her sister and brother, Shirley Hughes and Jerry Saulsberry; her dear friend Robert Scales; and many cherished friends who went before her.

She is survived by her sisters, Donna Taylor and Elaine Berry; her children, Laura (Colleen), Scott (Monica), and Doug (Lisa); and her five grandchildren, whom she cherished—David and Emily McCrystal, and Emma, Hannah, and Preston Rose. Her grandchildren especially treasured summer weeks spent with their beloved Grandmom at her pool, filled with swimming, playing cards and board games, and creating memories of laughter, sunshine, and love. She also leaves behind more than a dozen nieces and nephews, with a particularly special bond shared with her niece Lisa, as well as a wide circle of beloved friends.

Carol met David Rose at Classen High School, and both went on to attend the University of Oklahoma. While she initially left school to begin raising her family, Carol later returned to the University of Oklahoma and earned a bachelor's degree in business—an accomplishment of which she was very proud. Carol and David settled in Ardmore, where they raised their three children and built a rich and meaningful life rooted in family, faith, and community.

They were deeply involved members of First Methodist Church, where Carol especially loved singing as a member of the church choir. Carol and David were also active participants in the Ardmore community, including the hospital community that was such an important part of David's professional life. Carol greatly enjoyed her involvement in the Ladies of the Leaf book club, where her love of reading, conversation, and friendship flourished. Together, Carol and David treasured time spent with friends and especially enjoyed weekly dinners with their Friday night dinner group—a tradition that brought Carol great comfort and joy in the years following David's passing. The friendships they formed in Ardmore remained among the most cherished relationships of Carol's life.

Carol loved her family, her garden, her friends, and her community with her whole heart. She was also a devoted dog lover, with a particular fondness for golden retrievers, whose gentle companionship brought her great happiness. She lived fully, generously, and joyfully, and her kindness touched everyone who knew her.