Howdy Doody puppeteer
Margo Rose, 94
Thursday, September 18, 1997

Margo Rose, who with her husband formed the puppeteering team responsible for bringing Howdy Doody to life, has died. She was 94.
She died Saturday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Rose and her late husband, Rufus Rose, were internationally acclaimed puppeteers. They met while working as actors and puppeteers in the same company in 1928. In 1931, the couple formed Rufus Rose Marionettes, producing shows and giving performances.

The couple built a house and studio in Waterford, Conn., in 1943. It was there that they launched the first festival for Puppeteers of America, a group they helped form in 1937.

In 1952, they were hired for "The Howdy Doody Show," and worked for 10 years entertaining America's children by bringing life to the partner of Buffalo Bob Smith.

This year, Mrs. Rose was inducted into the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. The puppets she created were the subject of an exhibit last year at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Mrs. Rose was born Margaret Skewis on Jan. 31, 1903, in Inway, Iowa. She is survived by three sons, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The family plans no funeral service, but said a celebration of her life will be scheduled at a future date.