Rose Arnold

MOUNT GILEAD - Rose M. Arnold, 87, of Mount Gilead, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at home, surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness.

On May 28, 1938, Rose was born in Marion, Ohio, the daughter of the late Clyde Casper Parthemore and Edith S. (Sowers) Parthemore. She was raised in Marion and graduated from Marion Harding High School with the Class of 1956.

During high school, Rose was introduced by her niece and nephew, Bob and Wanda Vaughn, to a young man from Mount Gilead, Harry William Arnold Jr. She first fell in love with his sweet ride, a black and white 1957 Bel Air, and from there, the rest is history. Rose and Harry were married shortly after she graduated on December 21, 1956, at his home church, First Baptist Church in Mount Gilead. Together they shared 67 years of marriage and raised three children, Carol, William, and Janelle. Harry preceded Rose in death on March 29, 2024.

Starting their family early, Rose devoted herself to her home and family as Harry helped grow the Arnold Trucking and Arnold Excavating family businesses. Over the years, she also supported him by helping with the books. Rose later found her true niche as a hairdresser, first building a loyal clientele from her home, then moving to the town square with her partner, Janet Cook, at Alluring Coiffures. Alluring Coiffures became one of Mount Gilead's longest running businesses, serving the community for more than 50 years. Rose took great pride in helping her customers, who quickly became her friends, look their best, and she especially loved fixing the many hair mishaps folks found themselves in over the years.

For more than four decades, Rose also served as the trusted hairdresser for Snyder Funeral Homes in Mount Gilead, faithfully helping families and staff alike until just a few weeks ago. As if that were not enough, she somehow managed to run a daycare at the salon, too, a reflection of her energy, care, and steady presence.

Very faithful, Rose was an active member of First Baptist Church for many years, where she served as a deacon. She also gave her time to the community as a member of the local Mother's Club, a Cub Scout Den Mother, and a softball coach. Of all the groups she cherished, however, Rose was most proud of her Bridge Club. She and her dear friends, Mary Jo Bowman and Cindy Scohy, played bridge together for most of their lives, even transitioning to a virtual club when local numbers dwindled. Rose, Mary Jo, Cindy, and several other friends also shared many happy days on the golf course. For the last few years, she loved having mini OSU watch parties with Joyce Thomas.

One of Harry's favorite pastimes, that Rose eventually grew to love just as much, was time spent at Lake Erie. Through the years they did it all, tent camping, renting cabins, living aboard their boat, and eventually settling into their own permanent spot at Wallers. They were a dynamic duo, Harry fishing, Rose preparing the catch with delicious sides, and Harry frying it to perfection. Whether you were at their home in Mount Gilead or visiting them at the lake, you never left their table hungry.

With a huge heart and a determined spirit, Rose would go to great lengths to help others look and feel their best. She loved keeping up with all the current events in the big village of Mount Gilead, and she was the kind of strong willed, dependable woman you could always count on, steady, capable, and faithful through and through.

She will be missed by her three children: Carol Jo (James) Nelson, William (Tressa) Arnold, and Janelle Rudolph, all of Mount Gilead; seven grandchildren: Andrea (Gary) Stout, Curtis (Lindsay) Nelson, Caylor (Jacob) May, Cambry (Shane) Hershiser, Nolan (Yuyu Li) Rudolph, Breydon Rudolph, Haldon Rudolph; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including Harry and her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Richard Parthemore, Bobbie Parthemore, Wanda Vaughn, and John and Russell McPeek.

Services will be observed privately by her family in Rivercliff Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice through their Gentiva Foundation (https://www.gentivahs.com/patient-and-family-resources/donate/).

On behalf of her family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Rose's best friend, Mary Jo Bowman, who was always there for her, through thick and thin, and to Gentiva Hospice for their wonderful care in her last moments.

The Snyder Funeral Homes family will always be grateful for Rose's faithful service and steadfast dedication as our trusted hairdresser for more than four decades. It is a true honor to serve Rose and her family, and to help celebrate a life so well lived. Special memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.