Elta Rouse

Elta Carroll Rouse LUBBOCK- Elta Carroll Rouse, affectionately called Mum by her children and grandchildren, both natural and adopted, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013 at 10:45 a.m. This spunky, feisty Queen of Hospitality, fine feasts, and Southern Belle Matriarch deluxe, was a sparkling loving influence upon all who knew her and called her friend. Born on Feb. 13, 1924 on the family farm in Yoakum, Texas, Elta learned quickly the tenacity and strength required for any beautiful Texas country gal. Becoming a Girl Scout Leader and later Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Elta perfected her mothering skills, all while studying Homech at Southwest Texas University, where she graduated in the early 1940s. Elta's spice became a hot commodity among the young cadets during the WWII, many of whom she dated and dumped within hours of each other. However, one gentle soldier captured her heart at a soda shop, Robert L. Rouse, whom she later married Aug. 25, 1943. It was during her marriage that Elta became the Mum we know today. They moved to Lubbock in 1950, where Elta began soaring as the Spunky Mother Hen she is: volunteering at church and in the community, hosting foreign exchange students from Texas Tech University, preparing elaborate bridge and dinner parties, and establishing what Christmas Festivity is really about. Wanting to be out with the people, to whom she could be Mum, Elta taught Bible classes for years, gave lectures at the Planetarium and worked in the Gift shop until 1983, served as a guide at both the Texas Tech Museum and the Ranching Heritage Center, and worked at Texas Tech University until 1999. She was a member of Broadway Church of Christ, Lubbock Christian University Associates, Lubbock Women's Club, Texas Tech University Women's Club and its interest groups, and a champion in the Bowling League. Mum was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 67 years, Robert Papa Rouse, and her sister, Lela Carroll Stark. She is survived by her two children, Judy (Rouse) Looper and husband Larry, and Randall Lyle Rouse and wife Judy (Harrisberger) Rouse; four grandchildren, Rob Looper, Amy Looper Goodyear and husband Marcus Goodyear, Richard Layne Rouse and wife Xueling Apple Cai Rouse, and Jenness Rouse; three great-grandchildren, C.J. Goodyear and Lyle Goodyear (Marcus and Amy's children), and Salayna Rouse (Layne and Apple's daughter); her sister, Opal (Carroll/Paden) Willoughby, her husband Charles Willoughby, and their sons, Elta's nephews, Spencer, Russell, and Brad Paden, and their spouses and children; five nieces, Karen Anderson, Donna Scudder, Peggy Quinn, Enid Moore and Kerry Edwards; one nephew, Jimmy Rouse; her cousin, Mark Carroll and his family; along with many friends, including those at the Carillon Windsong Retirement Center. Mum's hospitality was contagious, teaching hundreds how to fold sheets, bake the perfect pie, and create that warm ambience of love and festivity, no matter the season or occasion, wrapped in the zing of a feisty southern farm girl. Her sprightliness and love will be missed greatly by those who loved her, to those for whom she was their Mum. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, Oct. 28, 2013 in the Abbey Chapel of Resthaven Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Children's Home of Lubbock, 4404 Idalou Rd, Lubbock, TX 79403, or The Life Center of Midland, 2101 West Wall Street, Midland, TX 79707.