Sharon Lee Rouse, 61, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2005 at her home, following a seven month battle with cancer. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her family, who will miss her greatly, especially with the upcoming holiday season, which was her favorite time of year.

Sharon was born in Prosser, WA on April 2, 1944 and raised in Benton City, where she lived all her life. She graduated from Kiona-Benton City High School in 1962, and was married and sealed to Lewis Stephen Rouse on June 16, 1964, in the Saint George, UT temple.

Sharon was a dedicated carrier for the Tri-City Herald for 13 years, having the largest route in the Tri-Cities area. For the past 11 years, Sharon was the substitute coordinator for the Kiona-Benton City School District, a job she truly enjoyed. This allowed her to interact with numerous people daily, making new friends and acquaintances.

Sharon was very involved in the LDS church serving in many callings and volunteer positions. She was a talented cake decorator, which allowed her to make the most beautiful wedding cakes for her three married children, in addition to many other lucky couples. She also enjoyed flower arranging, gardening, holiday decorating, and shopping with friends and family ‘til all hours of the night. She was very involved in the lives of her children, and acted as a second mother to many others.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Zora Shoemaker, stepfather Royce Thompson, brother Harold Shoemaker, and sister Shirley Shoemaker.

She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Lewis Stephen Rouse; son Scott and wife Ann, their children Gavin and Delaney; daughter Teddy and husband Damon, their children Cade and Canon; son Schrade and wife Neely; son Logan and girlfriend Tara. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Pat Wayne Wilson, Dawaine Ruth Shoemaker, Keith Shoemaker, Sue Milton Chance, and sisters-in-law Nona Shoemaker and Nancy Walsh. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and close friends too numerous to name.

Services will be held Monday, November 21, 2005 at the Benton City LDS chapel, 1101 Faye Avenue. Viewing will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Graveside service to follow at the Evergreen cemetery.