Willis August Rouse, age 99 of Batesville, Indiana passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on October 22, 2023 at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville. The son of Leonard and Minnie (Ahrens) Rouse was born on December 10, 1923 in Milan, Indiana.
The honorable World War II veteran served our beautiful country, proudly for two years in the Army. He worked loyally at Seagram’s in Greendale for 38 years. After the death of his first wife, Betty Rouse, he later married Edna Wirth on March 14, 1993.
Willis enjoyed gardening for many years and had a sincere passion for watching the Cincinnati Reds and was their biggest fan! It was common to see him wearing Reds attire and rarely missed any games. In his earlier years, he was on a bowling league, in which he won numerous trophies. He was a lifetime member of the Batesville VFW Post #3183 and a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Batesville.
The family would like to graciously thank ALL of his caregivers at St. Andrews and hospice. We truly admire and appreciate your hard work and dedication! We are so fortunate in this community to have such an outstanding facility to help make our loved ones comfortable. The dignity and grace you extended to Willis and our family will never be forgotten!
He is survived by his dedicated, loving wife of 30 years, Edna Wirth Rouse of Batesville; his step-children, Floyd (Janet) Wirth, Clyde (Elaine) Wirth, Lavonne (David) Simon, Diana (Andy) Enneking, Joanne (Jim) Stier, Cindy (Joe) Volk; his daughter Theresa (Roger) Murray along with multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Dale and Wayne Rouse; two sisters, Juanita Brauer and Elverda Brower; plus two brothers, Melvin and Walden Rouse.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 10am-12pm followed by a 12:00pm funeral service all at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Pastor Joseph Feldmann officiating. Burial will follow at the New Craven Cemetery in Milan, IN with military honors conducted by the Batesville VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Johns United Church of Christ by bringing to services or mailing to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Please feel free to leave a memory or a message of comfort for Willis’ family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.