Elizabeth Ann Rose, age 75, of Crosby, known to many as Ann or Annie, passed away from this life into the presence of the Lord on the 9th day of February, 2023, at Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas. She was born March 17, 1947, in Riverdale, New Jersey, to George Joseph Darms and Elizabeth Ellen Hearne Darms. Her parents considered her birth, “The Luck of the Irish.”
In 1950, after the death of her father, Ann and her then, single mother, moved to Texas. During her early years, she battled severe health issues that left her legs paralyzed. After several surgeries and lengthy hospitalizations, she regained use of her legs. Painting and drawing brought her much needed comfort during this arduous season of her life. During her teen years, she showed promise as a budding artist winning several local and state awards. Later on, several pieces of art were featured in the Houston Chronicle and the Houston Post.
Ann attended Deer Park High School, San Jacinto College, and the University of Houston.
Ann married James D. Petru in 1965 and they had two sons, Mark and Ryan. They were divorced in 1972. She married Donald W. Ross in 1985. They had one son, Brett, and divorced a short while later.
In 1993, she met and married her “Prince Charming,” Aubrey Lee Rose aka “Red.”
Together, they raised two sons, Brett Ross and Justin Rose.
Beginning in 1969, a local art supply store gave Ann her first opportunity teaching painting classes to children and adults. Later, she began teaching in larger establishments near her area of town.
Not only a talented artist, Ann was quite an accomplished fashion lady. While working in retail as a young fashion coordinator and sales consultant, she made several trips to Mexico City representing Neiman Marcus. Later, she held an important position for a Fortune 500 ad agency.
After Ann and Red married, she retired from her position as an advertising executive for Enbee Co. and became a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled Brett and Justin. She said, “It was a dream come true.”
Together, Ann and Red devoted 15 years to Home Run Ministries and the Super Friday program teaching numerous children a variety of classes including, Yo Yo, Woodworking, History, Art, Fashion, and other interesting classes. Both taught classes at the May Center and provided summer camps for numerous kids at their home.
After Red passed in 2013, Ann enthusiastically and lovingly continued her involvement teaching art classes at Super Friday, the May Center, summer camps and private lessons. In later years, she encountered several serious health issues. She said, “Painting was her drug of choice.” Because sharing her artistic talents was a gift, she joyfully gave to a vast number of people wherever she was, whether in her home or recovering in a skilled nursing center. Her deep love of painting and people touched and enriched hundreds of lives, both young and older.
Finally, during her 20+ years of teaching classes at Super Friday, Ann kept in close contact with several students. Many fondly referred to her as “grandmother” and she loved them as she loved her own biological grandchildren. Some of her many “grandchildren of the heart” include Katie Farrell, Matthew and Anna Schwieger Goodell, Amber Stevens, Anna Townsend Cox, Addyson and Lillianna Villarreal, and Colton, Connor, Rachel, Madeline, and Lauren Williford. Ann said, “Watching them all grow up and spread their wings was the greatest gift anyone could ever experience.”
Ann is preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, Aubrey Lee, “Red” Rose.
Ann is survived by her sons and their spouses: Mark Petru (Jenny), Ryan Petru (Iris), Brett Ross (Heather), and stepson, Justin Rose (Dinara); stepdaughters, Mylinda Rose, Pamela Lunday and Amanda Price; grandchildren: Braden, Dylan, Grant, Conner, Nadia, Rowen, Madelynn, Juliette, Brandon, Cordelia, Jonathan, Erika, Gabriel, Jessica, Tracy, Steven, and Robert; and great grandchildren, Clara and Chloe.
“Wahoo….it’s been an adventure!”
A celebration of Ann Darms Rose’s life was held on Sunday, February 19 at 3pm at Kingwood Bible Church, 3610 West Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood 77339. In lieu of flowers, donations to Home Run Ministries scholarship fund can be given in her memory.
