RICKY ROUSE

WELCH, Okla.- Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Welch Christian Church for Ricky Eugene Rouse, 57, Welch, who died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at his home, following a sudden illness. Ministers David Scott and Doug Gamble officiated. Graveside services were held at 2:30 p.m., at the Liberal City Cemetery. Ministers Scott and Sue Hopkins and Ray Hopkins officiated.

Pallbearers were Herbie Gamble, John Williams, Leroy Castagno, Larry Fast, John Kelsey, Tim Braker and Roger Marti.

Arrangements were under the direction of Thomas Funeral Home in Welch.

Survivors include his wife and love of his life, Glenda Rouse, of the home; one son, Doug Gamble and wife Shiela, Lawton; his mother, Reba Rouse, Liberal, Mo.; three sisters, Cathy Williams and husband John, Liberal, Mo., Elaine Castagno and husband Leroy, Pittsburg, Kan. and Nancy Dickey, Liberal, Mo.; grandchildren, Ethan, Daisy, Gracie, Ben and Lidia Gamble; a brother-in-law, Herbie Gamble and wife Debbie, Welch; a sister-in-law, Dee Ann Carver, Broken Arrow and several nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, Merle Rouse; one nephew and a niece.

Mr. Rouse was born April 18, 1959, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Merle E. and Reba (Baker) Rouse. He was a 1977 graduate of Liberal (Mo.) High School. He had attended Boys State, received a MFA scholarship and a FFA State Farmer degree. He attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry. He put his knowledge to work and enjoyed years of employment with the Welch Neill Cattle Co. and the Parsons Feedlot.

He enjoyed cattle, reading, sports, music and drinking coffee with his buddies. He loved his family and his grandkids were his greatest joy. He will be dearly missed by his constant, beloved companion, Bella. He was a member of the Welch Christian Chruch.