June 14, 2025

Veterinarian Dr. Ashton Neal Rose Passes Away

News Summary

Dr. Ashton Neal Rose, a revered veterinarian known for his exceptional care of animals, has passed away at the age of 78. He dedicated five decades of his career to the Broad Street Veterinary Hospital, touching the lives of many pets and their families. Originating from Columbia, S.C., he lived a fulfilling life with a profound passion for wildlife and the outdoors. His legacy of compassion and commitment to animal welfare will be greatly missed. A memorial service is scheduled at Lebanon Methodist Church where friends and family can pay their respects.

Columbia, S.C. – Dr. Ashton Neal Rose, a distinguished veterinarian known for his dedication to animal care, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025, at the age of 78. His contributions to the veterinary field and his commitment to his community will be fondly remembered.

Born on March 9, 1947, in Columbia, S.C., Dr. Rose was the son of the late Ernest Ashton Rose and Mary Neal Cloaninger Rose. He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Owen Rose, of Charles City, Virginia, and his two sons, Darren Rose of Providence Forge, Virginia, and Ashton Rose, who is married to Christina and resides in Manhattan Beach, California. Dr. Rose also leaves behind two granddaughters, Paloma and Luca Rose, living in Manhattan Beach, California. Additional family members include his sister Kaye Houser and brother-in-law Joe, who live in Chapin, S.C., along with a niece, Anne Marie Smallwood, married to Jason, and their great nieces, Mary Ashton and Millie Grace Smallwood.

A graduate of Clemson University in 1969, Dr. Rose pursued his passion for animals by attending the University of Georgia Veterinary School, graduating in 1972. He began his veterinary career at the Broad Street Veterinary Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where he worked alongside respected veterinarians Dr. Taylor P. Rowe and Dr. Doyle Philpy. Following their retirement, Dr. Rose took on the role of sole proprietor of the Broad Street Veterinary Hospital, where he served the community for five decades until his retirement in 2022.

Dr. Rose was widely recognized for his exceptional skills in veterinary medicine, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of animals. His clients appreciated not only his expertise but also the compassionate care he extended to their pets. Throughout his lengthy career, he touched the lives of countless animals and families, earning their trust and respect.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Rose embraced numerous outdoor activities. He was an avid lover of nature, enjoying hobbies like hunting and fishing, as well as gardening. His passion for fishing led him on adventures to exotic locations, including the Amazon and the Seychelles, where he relished the opportunity to pursue his interests in breathtaking environments.

In honor of his life and contributions, a funeral service has been scheduled for June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lebanon Methodist Church in Eastover, S.C. The family will welcome friends starting at 10 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Following the service, Dr. Rose will be laid to rest in the Rose plot of the church cemetery.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family with the final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to any animal shelter or a charity of the donor’s choice to continue Dr. Rose’s legacy of compassion towards animals. Friends and family are encouraged to share their condolences and memories at ShivesFuneralHome.com.