SPC Haley Caroline "Puddles" Rose

(SPC) Haley Caroline Rose

With profound sadness and enduring love, we announce the passing of Specialist (SPC) Haley Caroline Rose, United States Army, who died after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer on December 19, 2025, at just 22 years of age. Born on October 17, 2003, Haley lived a life marked by strength, compassion, and purpose well beyond her years. She proudly served on active duty in the United States Army as a Radiology Specialist. Assigned to Charlie Company, Medical Readiness Battalion, Madigan Army Medical Center, Haley carried out her responsibilities with exceptional professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for others. In her role, she provided critical medical support to patients and fellow Soldiers, exemplifying selfless service, quiet competence, and compassion. Her outstanding performance and commitment to excellence were recognized through multiple military awards, reflecting both her technical proficiency and her character as a Soldier. Haley lived the Army Values every day. Her sense of duty, respect for others, and personal courage were evident both in uniform and in life. She took great pride in her service, her medical profession, and the responsibilities entrusted to her. Alongside her military career, Haley remained deeply committed to her education, successfully balancing the demands of active-duty service while completing her college studies and earning her associate's degree. This achievement spoke to her determination, discipline, and drive for personal growth. Even in the face of devastating illness, Haley fought cancer with the same resilience and resolve that defined her military service. She met each challenge with grace, strength, and an unbreakable spirit, never allowing her illness to define who she was or diminish the love and light she gave to others. Her courage, perseverance, and selflessness continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing her. In keeping with her selfless nature and desire to help others, Haley worked with MD Anderson Cancer Center to preserve valuable tissue and blood samples for continued medical research. Through this contribution, she hoped, however small, to play a role in advancing the understanding of cancer and improving future treatment options. Even in her final fight, Haley remained focused on helping someone else, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and hope. Haley was lovingly known as "Puddles," a nickname she earned at three years old for her love of playing in mud puddles. She found peace and joy in the outdoors, camping beneath open skies, observing wildlife, and spending time at the beach. Nature was where she felt most at home. Haley also had a deep love for art and drawing, creating something beautiful whenever she had the opportunity. Her creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for the world around her reflected her gentle soul and thoughtful heart. Sports were another defining part of Haley's life. She was a multisport athlete who played softball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, cross country, and track & field. In ninth grade, she discovered a special passion for running after following her oldest brother onto Grafton High School's cross-country team. What began as support quickly became something deeply her own. Running taught Haley discipline, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork, lessons she carried with her throughout her life and into her military service. Even after high school, she often spoke of her love for cross country and her gratitude for the experience. She held immense respect for Coach Valenti, whom she admired for his ability to challenge athletes through positive discipline while always striving to bring out the best in each individual. His belief that every athlete should give their best left a lasting impact on Haley. She was proud to be part of a strong, supportive team and carried that pride with her always. Above all, Haley was a deeply loved daughter whose presence brought light, laughter, and meaning to her family and friends. Though her time on this earth was far too short, her impact was profound and enduring. Haley is survived by her husband, Alexander (Alex) Kit Nova. She met Alex in San Antonio, Texas, while they were both attending Advanced Individual Training (AIT). What began as time spent together quickly grew into a deep and meaningful connection. They were married on April 1, 2024, a date chosen with their shared sense of humor, yet one that marked a very real and joyful commitment. As Haley entered adulthood, she embraced a new chapter by choosing the name Rose Caroline Nova, reflecting a more open, self-directed expression of herself. Rose was deeply happy to share her life with Alex. Together, they began their life as a married couple when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Throughout her illness, Alex remained steadfastly by her side, offering unwavering love, strength, and devotion until the very end. She is also survived by her parents: Ollie Franklin Rose Jr. (dad) and his wife, Michelle Sadona Snide-Rose (2nd mom); and Debrah Ann Gaskins (mom) and her husband, Kevin Wayne Gaskins (2nd dad). Her siblings survive her: Tanner Dustin Rose, Austin Joseph Snide, Dillon Manuel Snide, and Kameron Cade Gaskins. Her grandparents survive her: "Papa" James Edward Malone and his wife, "Mimi" Mary Katherine Fitzpatrick; "Nanny" Patricia Ann Malone; "Granddaddy" Ralph Chester Smith and his wife, "Grandma" Sandra Carter Smith; and "Grandpa" Maurice Chandler Gaskins and his wife, "Grandma" Linda Gaskins-Luckham. She is also survived by the many Soldiers, colleagues, and friends whose lives she touched through her service, compassion, and kindness. A memorial service will be held on January 17, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Amory Funeral Home, located at 410 Grafton Road, Yorktown, Virginia 23692. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society – Ovarian Cancer Research & Treatment in honor of Haley/Rose's brave fight and faithful service.
All who wish to honor and remember Haley/Rose are invited to attend her interment with full military honors at her final resting place. She will be laid to rest in Chattanooga, TN, at Chattanooga National Cemetery where family, friends, fellow service members, and all whose lives she touched may gather to pay their respects, reflect on her life of service and compassion, and share in a moment of remembrance and gratitude for the enduring legacy she leaves behind. Additional details regarding the interment will be shared once final arrangements are complete.
Cancer took her life, but it will never take her legacy. SPC Rose/Nova will forever be remembered as a healer, an artist, an outdoorswoman, and a beloved daughter, wife, and Soldier whose courage, compassion, and love will endure.