Mary J Rouse

Mary Jean (Eledge) Rouse passed away March 4, 2024. She was born July 4, 1930, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska to George “Grover” and Minnie (Piatt) Eledge. On March 5, 1948, she married Virgil Francis Rouse in Glenwood, Iowa.

Mary was raised in Plattsmouth and graduated from Plattsmouth High School. Mary and her husband of 72 years, Virgil Francis Rouse, made their home in Plattsmouth, where she was a homemaker. They raised their children and were also important in the lives of many nieces and nephews, usually treating them as if they were their own children. She was a gifted artist creating oil paintings, sketches, as well as designing and creating clothing and dance costumes.

Mary, along with her husband, planted very large vegetable gardens. They shared their crops with friends and relatives. She also preserved food each year, allowing her to prepare excellent meals using their produce. Her cooking skills were impressive. Her husband was seldom without homemade chocolate chip cookies. Many memories were made from the delicious noodles she made from scratch, her special spaghetti, and the fish fry gatherings she hosted.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan (Tom) Bonitz of Papillion, and Kellie Risk of Kearney; five grandchildren: David J. Rouse, Adam Rouse, Melissa (Rouse) Nobel, Zakery Risk, and Kazden Risk; ten great grandchildren: Vanessa Rouse, David B. Rouse, Dalton Rouse, Devin Rouse, Carmella Rouse, Steven Rouse, II, Paige (Nobel) Rivera, Tanner Noble, Lucy Risk and Kylo Risk; five great-great grandchildren, Tatum Rouse, Charlie Anne Rouse, Max Rouse, Clayton Rouse, and Sophia Rouse; sisters-in law Jean Hoppe and Janet Newburn, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Virgil Rouse, her son, Steven Wayne Rouse, her grandson Aleque Risk, siblings Edith Jacobson, Walter Eledge, Esther Peterson, Ralph Eledge, Hazel Eledge, George Grover “Bud” Eledge, Leo Eledge, Naomi “LaVaune” Jones, as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of life for Mary will be held at a later date with burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth, NE

Memorials may be directed to the Plattsmouth Rescue Squad.

Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, NE  402-296-4445