Phyllis Rouse

Phyllis Rouse was born Philomena Anastasia Oko on September 30, 1922 in Chicago, IL to Michael and Zofia Oko, first-generation immigrants from Poland. She was the middle child in a Catholic family of seven siblings, Anne, Marie, Stanley, Alex, Valentine, and Dorothy. When Phyllis was a young teenager her mother and older brother passed away, and Phyllis became the family nurturer, a role that would come to define her life. In 1944 Phyllis received a Bachelors degree in business education from Illinois State Teachers College in Normal, IL. She became a stewardess for United Airlines when the industry was less than ten years old and was active in Clipped Wings, a retired stewardess' organization, for many years. While attending college she met and fell in love with Lawrence H. Rouse, originally of Mundelein, IL. In 1945 Phyllis and Larry married; she remained a devoted and loving wife until his death in 1999. Phyllis and Larry made their home in Grayslake where they raised a family of five children, Michael, Karen "Willow", Julia, Philip, and Ralph. In 1963 they moved to their waterfront estate on Round Lake, which was to be Phyllis' home for the rest of her life. During her husband's tenure a Superintendent of Grayslake Community High School, Phyllis attended no less than 38 proms. It was one of the students who originally nominated her for the 1957 Mrs. Illinois competition. Crowned Mrs. Illinois, Phyllis was seventh runner-up for the title of Mrs. America that year-receiving first place for her chocolate frosting and ironing! A fashion model for Heins Department Store, Phyllis remained an exceptional beauty her entire life. Phyllis was a faithful parishioner and supporter of St. Gilbert Catholic Church in Grayslake for more than 60 years. She was also an active member of Questers, Grayslake Women's Club, and Easter Seals. Phyllis passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL, the same hospital where she gave birth to all five children. She was 86 years old.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband; parents; six siblings; and her daughter, Willow Wood.

She is survived by her son, Michael Rouse of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Julia Rouse of Port Townsend, WA; son, Philip Rouse of Bristol, WI; and son, Ralph Rouse of Warrens, WI; as well as ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Phyllis lived a rich, full life. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her generous nature, and the grace with which she handled life. A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 410 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 11:00am at St. Gilbert Catholic Church, 301 E. Belvidere Rd., Grayslake, IL 60030. Interment will be held at Willow Lawn Cemetery in Mundelein. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lawrence Rouse Memorial Scholarship at Grayslake High School. For information, please call (847) 223-8122 or log on to www.strangfuneral.org.