In 1994, Sue moved to Ava Thadia Sue Rouse was born May 27, 1913, in Clinton, to David F. and Carrie McKeigg Massey. She died Aug. 2, 2007, at the age of 94.
In 1930, Sue graduated from high school at Deepwater, Mo. On March 15, 1930, she married Virgil McLane Gray, and their home was blessed with two children, Pamela Sue and Virgil David. While Virgil was fighting in World War II, Sue worked as a beautician in Kansas City. They then purchased and managed Clinton Quality Chick Hatchery. In 1958 Sue and Virgil moved to Burlington, Colo., where they owned and operated Stevens Motel and Cafe.
Virgil preceded her in death on July 1, 1966. On Nov. 8, 1971, Sue married Howard Rouse. She worked in several restaurants and drug stores in Burlington, Colo. In 1994, Sue and Howard moved to Ava. Howard preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 1995.
Sue was preceded in death by both parents and her husbands, Virgil and Howard. She was also preceded in death by her son, Virgil David, and two brothers.
A celebration of Sue’s life and faith was held Monday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m., at the Ava Family Funeral Home. Burial was at the Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, at 3 p.m. Monday. Visitation was held prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. at Ava Family Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Pam Karges and husband, Blair, of Ava; five grandchildren, Melanie, Jordan, Tabitha, Deidra and Tara; a niece, Peggy Jean Knight; a brother-in-law, Bill Gray, and a special dog, Taffy; as well as other family and friends.
Sue actively served her Lord Jesus in her church memberships all her life. She worked as church secretary in Clinton, Mo., and Burlington, Colo., and taught adult Sunday school classes and helped wherever she was needed in the church.
