With the passing from life of Mrs. Lou Sims Rose, June 27th at Washington, D. C., the thoughts of her friends revert to her personal history. She was one of Delphi’s own daughters, having been born here in 1865. Her father, the late attorney Joseph A. Sims, one of Delphi’s pioneer lawyers, built the Sims homestead where she grew to womanhood, and which is now the residence of his granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Sims Clauser. When still a young girl, she was deprived of her mother by death, but her place was well filled by a devoted aunt. By her parentage, Mrs. Rose was connected on both sides, with old and honored families of Indiana. Her mother, Mrs. Susan Sims, was a member of the Hawkins family of Lafayette. Mrs. Rose attended the public schools of Delphi, graduating with the class of 1883. She was married in her home to Joseph N. Rose in 1888, and had maintained ever since, a hospitable, delightful home in Washington, D. C. For many years before his death in 1928, Dr. Rose had been connected with the Smithsonian and Carnegie Institute. He was the author of several books and was recognized as a scientist of distinction in botany. The degree of L. L. D. was conferred upon him by Wabash college in 1925. Dr. Rose had the pleasure of an extensive trip abroad and had accompanied Mr. Rose on one of his trips into Mexico and Central America. She had also spent the summer for some years with her family, at Atlantic City In a cottage. The sorrow of losing her son Walter Deane, a high school student, by a tragic death, and the loss of her husband were trials from which Mrs. Rose never fully recovered. For the past two years, her health had been impaired by the heart trouble which terminated in her placid death. The life of Mrs. Rose does not stand out as a public worker, although she was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church of the Convenant and a member of both the Seymour and Twentieth Century clubs. Her highest ideal was to be the mother of a happy home and to that she gave the best powers of her heart and mind, as a noble wife and unselfish mother. The spirit of her life was in helpfulness as if with modesty and dignity, she performed her various duties. She was one who would grace any position, for her character, based upon cheerfulness and sterling worth, had the personal charm also, of the truly refined lady which all the term implies. Her memory will be enshrined in the hearts of her family and circle of devoted friends. Mrs. Rose was a sister of Joseph A. Sims Jr. who died in 1829 and is survived by two daughters, two sons, four half brothers and sisters and four grandchildren, who have been for several years, members of her family. The funeral service held in the Rose home at 1812 Calvert St. was followed by the interment in Rock Creek cemetery.

Delphi Journal July 21, 1932