Eleanor Jean Rouse, 77

Published 8:18 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Eleanor Jean Rouse, 77

Born: July 16, 1935

Died: Dec. 19, 2012

DECATUR — Eleanor Jean Rouse, 77, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at home after a four-year courageous battle with cancer and always with a positive attitude.

Eleanor was born July 16, 1935, in Decatur, daughter of Clarence and Dora (DeGraaf) Reits.

She was employed by Rudy Manufacturing and Sundstrand in Dowagiac for 22 years.

Eleanor enjoyed and shared with her husband, Jim, trips to area casinos.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very important to her and she loved them dearly.

She married James E. Rouse on Sept. 6, 1958, in Decatur. Her husband preceded her in death March 16, 2012.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lucille Wiese.

Survivors include: three daughters, Terra J. Shroyer of Dowagiac and her son-in-law, Jon Shroyer of Decatur, Rhonda S. (Mark) Emaus of Senoia, Ga., and Kimberly J. (Bob) Danielson of Decatur; seven grandchildren, Sarah Shroyer Stull, Amanda Shroyer Groh, Timothy Shroyer, Brooke Emaus, Bradley Emaus, Andrew Drenth and Steven Drenth; six great-grandchildren, Bridget Stull, Maddisyn Stull, Mattalynn Stull, Nick Groh, Clara Groh, James Groh; and three sisters, Clara Ann (Robert) Miller of Decatur, Patricia Buskirk of Paw Paw and Jane (James) Frick of Clarkston.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no services.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by Newell Funeral Home, Decatur.