Benjamin James Rouse

Benjamin James “Ben” Rouse, 20, of Tunnel Hill, departed this life on Sunday afternoon, May 26, 2013, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Evansville, Indiana. Ben was born June 7, 1992, the son of James Owen and Rosemary (McCuan) Rouse. He was a graduate of New Simpson Hill Grade School and Vienna High School. He was currently attending Southeastern Illinois College at Harrisburg and had just completed his second semester in the Diesel Technology Program, achieving President and Vice-President List academic honors. He was employed at Cornerstone Polishing in Ozark, and Newcomb Heating & Air in Simpson, and he assisted several individuals at the Lake of Egypt with yard work and outdoor chores. Ben had a zest for life and a love for music and the outdoors. His hobbies included rock climbing and repelling, hunting, fishing, camping and playing the guitar. His smile and sense of humor were contagious and lightened those around him. He had an extremely strong ability to meet people and make friends. His close friendships ran strong and true. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister- Chelsey of Jackson, MO; his grandmother- Mary Rita Rouse of Danville, IL; his aunts- Melinda (Roger) Kunkel of Carlyle, IL, Luann (Paul) Pasquale of Danville, IL, Julie (Vic) Audo of Mahomet, IL; his uncle- Mark (Rae) Rouse of Fairfax, VA; his cousins- Elizabeth Kunkel, Cory Runyan, Luke & Tessa Audo; many dear friends. Ben was preceded in death by; his paternal grandfather- Owen Lloyd Rouse; his maternal grandparents- A.J. “Spider” & Mary Elsie (Cavitt) McCuan; 2 very special great aunts- “Aunt Ainee” (Aileen Cavitt) and “Aunt Ev” (Evelyn Simmons) Ben’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his family and friends. The memories he leaves from his short time on earth will always be held close to the hearts of those he touched. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Community of Christ Church in Tunnel Hill, IL. High Priest Glenn Webb will officiate. A eulogy will be given by Norma Martin. Burial will be in the Webb Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM on Thursday at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, IL. Also from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday at the Community of Christ Church. In lieu of flowers, educational memorials may be made in Ben’s honor to assist students in the music program at Vienna High School and in the Diesel Technology Program at Southeastern Illinois College. Memorials can be made to the Benjamin Rouse Educational Memorial Fund, c/o James and Rosemary Rouse and may be directed to Bailey Funeral Home PO Box 695 Vienna, IL 62995.

Benjamin James Rouse

June 7, 1992 - May 26, 2013