Our beloved mother, Rachel Charlene Scott Roush, passed away on March 1, 2018. She was 95 years young and our angel here on earth. Mom was born in Bluffton, Indiana on September 18, 1922 to parents Guy and Nellie Scott. She was the youngest of five children and grew up during the Great Depression. Her siblings – Garland, Claris, Eva and Paul predeceased her.
Mom married her high school sweetheart, Robert Dean Roush, USN retired and they were married 49 years until his death in 1993. Dad joined the Navy at the outbreak of World War II and Mom followed him into the Navy serving as a WAVE for two years. After the kids came along she followed dad to various duty stations settling in the Tidewater area in the early 1950’s. Mom went to work with civil service at the Naval Supply Center NOB Norfolk as a computer operator retiring 30 years later. They loved it here and made this area their permanent home after Dad retired from the Navy in the early 1960’s. Dad developed a passion for flying and owned a Cessna 172 for 16 years. Mom obtained her private pilot’s license at the age of 60 and they enjoyed many years of flying together. Mom was a member of the Ninety-Nines, a female pilot association founded in 1929 by 99 women including Amelia Earhart.
Mom was an adventurous person who loved trying new things. She started snow skiing in her 60’s taking her kids and grandkids to many resorts along the east coast. She loved to travel and one of her adventures included riding a donkey down into the Grand Canyon.
Mom was a faithful member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church for over 40 years helping others through activities such as Meals on Wheels and preparation of Holy Communion.
Mom was truly our angel here on earth and was a gentle loving soul to everyone she met. Left to cherish her precious memories are her four children: Paula Olesen and husband Dr. Mark Olesen, USN retired of Hertford NC, Christy Mayo and former husband Larry Mayo SR of VA Beach VA, John Roush and wife Kimberly of VA Beach VA and Charles Roush and wife Maureen of Rouses Point, NY. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, (Kathleen, Wayne, Paige, Karen, Larry, Travis, Clay, Leah, Carleigh and Molly), 10 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.
Our mother was our “Rock” and truly loved her Lord and her family. She made this world a better place. Her life was well lived and she will live in our hearts forever.
Although Mom loved flowers, she asked that you might consider contributions to FAUMC building fund, your favorite animal charity and/or perform a random act of kindness to others.