Carol J. Rouse

Carol J. Rouse of Great Falls, MT passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the age of 80.

Carol was born in Des Moines, Iowa on September 6, 1943, to Mabel and Willard Morris. Carol married Roy Rouse on May 30, 1964, a mere 7 days after their first meeting. Their marriage lasted 58 years until Roy passed away in 2022. They raised three children together, making many happy memories along the way.

Carol worked in many industries, adapting often due to their many moves with the Air Force. She worked as a secretary in the insurance industry, retail and customer service at the Base Exchange and JC Penney, the base Post Office, and finally as a switchboard operator at the Columbus Hospital in Great Falls. Working through the hospital merger, she finally retired. Throughout her life in Great Falls, she made many memories with friends and family camping, boating, and attending church camp. She taught a girls Sunday School class, sang with her church choir, and worked alongside her friends in many church ministries. Carol spent her retirement volunteering at her church, Heritage Baptist, and teaching children at Heritage Baptist School. Her love for children ran deep, and she blessed many graduating seniors with handmade quilts to take with them to college. In 2008, Carol fought breast cancer and won. In 2009 a devastating fall left her an incomplete quadriplegic. Carol did not let these trials stop her, spending 6 months in rehab in Colorado. Carol’s goal was to walk again and with much prayer and determination, she reached that goal.

Carol loved the Lord, her husband, her children, and grandchildren dearly. She enjoyed quilting, reading, puzzles, hats, and shoes! She looked forward to visits from family and was always eager to do puzzles with the grandkids.

Carol is survived by her children, Mischelle (Terry) Chambers of Great Falls, JoAnn (Brandt) Wilkins of Rio Rancho NM, and Curtis (Kristi) Rouse of Great Falls; 6 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Alberta Brannen; and and many nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Roy; mother and father Mabel and Willard Morris; brothers, Ray, Kenneth, and Bill Morris; sisters, Laura Norris, Margaret Smith, and Phyllis Zeimet.