Florence B. Rouse

On September 29, 2008, an exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt took her final journey in faith; she breathed her last as gathered family finished praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Florence B. Rouse was born to Carmella and Vito Botte on January 21, 1917, the second of three daughters. She had a happy childhood, enjoying her family and school, participating in hiking clubs and musicals and writing for her school newspaper. After attending business college, Florence married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence (Laurie) Gimbel, in 1938. They settled in Broadview, Ill. to raise their family. A son, Don, was followed by two daughters, Laura and Mary Lou, and they all enjoyed camping and hiking; eventually Laurie and Florence joined the Chicago Mountaineering Society and participated in climbs as far away as the Tetons. It was on a mountain climbing expedition in 1955 that Laurie first experienced the symptoms that would eventually lead to his being diagnosed with ALS, the diagnosis made the same month that they discovered they were going to have a new baby. Laurie died in November of 1956 three weeks after Lois was born and Florence was left alone to raise four children, newborn to 16 years old, her faith being a source of strength during a difficult time. While working part-time, she went back to college, studying during the middle of the night so as not to take time away from her family. Eventually, following the advice of her parish priest, Florence took time off from school and joined Naim Conference, an organization for Catholic widows and widowers. There she met George (Jerry) Rouse, a widower with two daughters, Kathleen and Barbara. They fell in love and decided to join the two families to make one. She felt so blessed that God had given her the chance for a second happy marriage. January of 1961 marked the beginning of a new family and a new life. Committed to each other and to making a united family, Florence and Jerry successfully combined families, cross-adopting the younger children. The newly joined family overcame initial adjustments to become very close, enjoying the times when people could not tell which siblings and parents were related by blood and which by adoption. The new family continued the tradition of camping and hiking, creating many happy memories, and holidays took on a more exuberant atmosphere. As the children grew up and moved all over the country, Florence and Jerry enjoyed traveling to visit their loved ones and still enjoyed camping destinations. Trips to Hawaii and Italy in their retirement created more memories. Florence and Jerry moved to River Ridge in South Haven in 2001 where family continued to gather together whenever possible. Mary Lou died in 2004 and Jerry in 2006, but Florence appreciated the attention of her family and the care given to her by the extended "family" of River Ridge. Over the years Florence served as a Scout leader, took art & writing classes, sewed clothing for her children for special occasions and numerous dance recitals, volunteered at her parish, was a valuable employee and loyal friend, all the while serving as the foundation stone for her family. She welcomed a daughter-in-law and several sons-in-law as beloved members of the family and reveled in the additions of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She leaves behind her sister Esther, son Don (Terri) Gimbel of IL, daughters Laura Maddox of IL, Kathie (Ron) McGlaughlin of MO, Barbara (Gian) Alleruzzo of MO, Lois (Tom) Greiffendorf of MI, son-in-law Al Brunke of MI, 16 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Her life served as an example of the virtues of temperance, prudence, justice, and fortitude. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love, and Florence leaves behind a family that will always remember her love. Public visitation for Florence will begin at 9:30 AM at St. Basil Church in South Haven where a Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM this Saturday, Oct. 4. Interment will be at Grand Junction Cemetery in Columbia Township followed by a luncheon at the township hall. The family suggests memorial contributions to either Hospice at Home or the St. Cecilia Convent. Arrangements by Bangor Chapel, D. L. Miller Funeral Home.

Florence B. Rouse

January 21, 1917 - September 29, 2008