Joe Claude Rose

Joe Claude Rose

May 18, 1932 - Feb. 3, 2024

MERIDIAN - Joe Claude Rose, "Sonny", of Meridian, Idaho, (longtime resident of Jerome) passed away on February 3, 2024, while at the VA Medical Center in Boise following a short illness. He was 91 years old.

He was born May 18, 1932, in Springfield, Missouri, to Bessie Graven and Joseph Harvey Rose. Joe was the only son and had four older sisters. His mom gave him the nickname "Sonny Joe", and the Rose side of his family called him "Sonny" his entire life.

The family moved out West around 1936, settling in Twin Falls. When his parents later divorced, Joe remained with his father and older sister, Jeanne, and spent his childhood in Jerome and the surrounding area. Joe graduated from Jerome High School in 1951.

He joined the Air Force following graduation. He served as an Aircraft Mechanic, stationed at bases in Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Thule, Greenland. Joe often remarked "Greenland isn't green" and "you don't know cold" when he reminisced about his time in the Arctic.

After honorable discharge from the Air Force, Joe attended Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California. This is where he found not only a profession but also a lifelong passion.

Joe met Dorothy Ratcliff in Sandpoint, Idaho, on a blind date that had been arranged by his sister, June. Dorothy and Joe were married in 1962, and shortly after moved to Jerome. There they purchased an existing photography business, Leyson's Studio, located in the basement of the old First Security Bank building at the corner of Lincoln and Main.

After ten years, Photography by Rose moved to 210 West Main Street, where it was located until its closure and the Roses' retirement in 2000. Joe and Dorothy were active in the Professional Photographers of Idaho and the Professional Photographers of America. They were jointly awarded the National Award, the highest honor bestowed by the PPA, which is selected by a jury of peers. Joe would often say he never worked a day in his life.

After his retirement, he decided to "vacation" at Walmart One-Hour Photo for the next twenty years. He loved camping and exploring the mountains, lakes and forests of Idaho and the Northwest with his family. Joe was an avid rockhound, who loved to hunt and ride trail bikes with Dorothy and his daughters, Joan and Julie.

His greatest pride was his role as "Papa" to his three grandchildren, and he had a special bond with each of them.

Joe was a Past Master of Jerome Masonic Lodge #61, a Past Worthy Patron of Jerome Chapter #54 Order of the Eastern Star, and a Past Royal Patron of Garnet Court #5 Order of the Amaranth, Gooding, Idaho. He had over 50 years of membership in both the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Joe was a member of Shriners International, Scottish Rite, and Royal Arch. He was a member of the Jerome Rotary Chapter, obtaining over 50 years of perfect attendance. He cherished his service in these organizations and the many friendships he gained. His lasting legacy can be seen in portraits and other photographs on the walls of homes throughout the Magic Valley.

That same legacy is also evident from his selfless service to the organizations in which he believed, the friendships he treasured, and his steadfast love for his family.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Joan Rose (Wendy Rudeen) of Corvallis, Oregon, and Julie (Dallas) Crandall of Meridian, Idaho, three grandchildren, Matthew Crandall of Portland, Oregon, Tyler Crandall of Meridian, Idaho, and Stella Rose-Wyatt of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his sister, June Smith of Nampa, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his wife, Dorothy, and sisters: Myrtle Allen, Maxine (Boots) Hicks and Jeanne Sund.

The family would like to thank Alpine Meadows, Joe's home since September 2020, for their love and care.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Jerome later in the Spring of 2024. Details will be shared in the future.

Memorials may be made in Joe's name to the Rotary Foundation (www.Rotary.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org).