Born Leila Rachael Howe on December 3, 1924 in Gamlingay, England, Leila was the youngest of three children born to Dorothy and Harry Howe.  Leila had just marked her 96^th birthday before passing away on December 4^th, 2020.  Her death can be attributed to declining respiratory health, but in many respects her body had just worn out.
Leila had many vocations during her long life.  As a young woman, just out of high school, she worked in the government tax office.  Met and married Rodney George Rose in Huntington, England on January 8, 1952.  She then settled into her lifelong job of superior motherhood, having two boys; Steven & Christopher.  Rod’s occupation in aeronautics took the family from England to Canada, Virginia, then to Texas.
In the early days of JSC-NASA, Leila was one of the dedicated spouses who handled most of the household and child rearing while allowing her husband to dedicate untold hours to the goal of putting a man on the moon.  During those early years she also enjoyed golf, bowling and working in the Altar Guild at St Christopher Episcopal church.
Always the artist at heart, Leila found a hobby that became her passion, pottery.  She learned her skills at college classes, and with the group effort of fellow potters started the Saltgrass Potters.  That group is still active today.  She was also a painter, and left the family with a number of wonderful works of art.  Cherished gems of canvas and ceramic will always remind us of her.
Leila is survived by sons Steven (wife Linda), Christopher (wife Amy), and granddaughters Lindsey & Lauren.  The family would like to thank The Shores for taking care of Leila in the final years, and a special thanks to Shana Grubbs who was a close friend and helper to both Rod & Leila for many of their later years.
Due to the unprecedented times of pandemic we find ourselves in, a memorial service date has yet to be set.  Leila’s ashes will be laid to rest at St Stephen’s in Wimberley, TX joining those of Rod’s.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Leila’s name.