Jannie Ruth Roush

Cleveland, Virginia -- Jannie Ruth Simerly Roush, 70, passed away on April 4, 2025, after a long hard battle with COPD. She was a tough old bird who fought hard and ultimately, the Lord called her home to join her loved ones. Those that preceded her in death were her father, Ora Stanford Simerly, mother, Nancy (Nan) Breeding Simerly, brothers, Julian Quail (Twill) Simerly, Peter (Pete) Paul Simerly, and James Donald(Bob) Simerly. She left behind her partner of 33 years, William (Bill) Lawrence; daughter, Laura Roush Robinson; favorite son in law, Chad Robinson, and beloved grandson, Ian Stanford Robinson; favorite son, Elmer Louis Roush III and favorite daughter in law, Tammy Crawford Roush; sister, Shirley Ann Amos; brother, Danny Carl Simerly and sister-in-law Wanda Ball Simerly. She also left behind many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as a multitude of friends who felt like family.
She was known for her welcoming demeanor to all, love of a strong cup of coffee, and ability to make anything. She could be found making all kinds of art, jewelry, puppets, brooms, hats, and cooking anything and everything. If she didn't know how to make it, you didn't need it. She was a jack of all trades with the ability to whip up anything you wanted at a moment's notice while drinking a cup of coffee, smoking a cigarette, and talking on the phone. Many friends and family members came to her for wedding cakes and an ear to listen. She would give you good advice, whether you wanted to hear it or not, and it was up to you to take it. Her home was always open to a wayward soul. She would help you in any way she could- just don't drink her coffee. You could stand a spoon up in it! One of her best-known pieces of advice was given to a coworker at the Laurels who affectionately called her J-Dawg- J- Dawg says always use the good stuff- Castrol. She could talk to anybody about anything and knew a little bit about everything.
She spent much of her life caring for others, personally and professionally, finally retiring as a counselor at the Laurels Recovery Center. She loved laughing, "carryin'on" as she would say, and cooking for those she loved. Matthew 22:39 says 'Love your neighbor as yourself' and she exemplified this. In honor of her life, she would want you to put down your phone and talk to somebody face to face. Tell them how to make that cake they liked or encourage them to pursue their dreams. She would.
Her family would like to welcome you to celebrate her life at Owens Funeral Service on Tuesday, April 8th from 6-8 pm and attend her graveside service at Rasnick Cemetery in Cleveland on April 9th at 2 p.m. As she would say, love ya and bye!
Share memories with the family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.
Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Ave. Lebanon, Virginia is in charge of arrangements.