Linda Jo Matheson Rouse, age 62, Elizabethton, went to be with her Lord on Friday, January 27, 2012, at Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following an extended illness. Her precious, loving soul has returned to her father where she belongs. Born in Bremerton, Wash., she lived most of her life in Elizabethton. Preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Ilene Matheson, and an infant son, Johnny Len Rouse in 1974, she graduated from Hampton High School in 1967. She also graduated from vocational school and worked as a secretary. Later she decorated cakes with love and care for several large grocery-bakery stores for many years. For the last ten years she has been employed at Happy Valley Middle School as a janitor, where she enjoyed her work and the great friends she had at the school. Mrs. Rouse was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by her husband, of 43 years, James Rouse, Elizabethton, as well as two sons she loved dearly, Jimmy Lee and Daniel Adam Rouse. Tessa Sammons (Daniel’s fiancée), was welcomed into the family with open arms. Other survivors include, sisters and brothers-in-law, Karla and Darrin Smith, Dianna and Brownie Preslor and Karen and Randy Williams; several special brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Janet Rouse, Bob and Pansy Rouse, Luther and Thelma Rouse, Jerry and Phyllis Emert, Wayne and Dicie Rouse; a special niece, Brittany Williams and a special nephew, Brandon Williams and many other nieces and nephews that she loved dearly; and a special friend, Marlene Carr.
The funeral service for Mrs. Rouse will be conducted at 7 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2012, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton with Rev. Jerry Emert and Rev. Mark Potter officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence of a sister, Karla Smith, 223 Aviation Drive, Elizabethton, at any time. The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be her two sons, Jimmy and Daniel Rouse. Also serving as pallbearers will be Keith Rouse, Brandon Williams, Steve Tolley, Randy Williams, Darrin Smith, Jerry Rouse and Chad Rouse. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Carr, staff at Happy Valley Middle School, John Rouse, Wayne Rouse, Luther Rouse, Bob Rouse, Brownie Preslor and friends and neighbors. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the family. Office 542-2232, obituary line 543-4917.
