Rose Mary Rouse

Rose Mary Rouse, age 80, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

Rose was born on April 5, 1945, in Garden City, Missouri, the daughter of Paul and Nadine Payne. She grew up in LaMonte, Missouri, where she built the foundation of a life rooted in love, faith, and family.

At 16 years old, on New Year’s Eve of 1960, Rose went on a blind date and met the love of her life, Jimmie Rouse. The next day, Jim left for the Azores while on active duty for the US Air Force for 3 months, but their connection only grew stronger. When he returned in April of 1961, they dated for 5 months before marrying on September 5, 1961, at the LaMonte Christian Church.

In 1962, Jim brought her to Idaho where they spent time shearing sheep on her father-in-law, Vernon Fairchild's, shearing crew. In 1968 they moved to Milton-Freewater, Oregon where they ran the Hudson Oil Company. In 1977 they made their forever home in Buhl, Idaho. They shared a beautiful marriage and raised three daughters: Lori, Rennie, and Tracie.

Rose and Jim spent many years driving truck together, logging countless miles and sharing life on the open road, side by side.

Rose’s life revolved around her family. She loved caring for her children and grandchildren and never missed a milestone or important moment. Family always came first. Rose was the kindest and most loving soul, and no matter how much her family playfully teased her, she was always a good sport, laughing right along with everyone. She had the biggest heart and consistently put the needs of others before her own, even in her final days.

Rose’s faith was a quiet, but steady presence throughout her life. She trusted deeply in the Lord and lived her life as a reflection of that faith through kindness, selflessness, and unconditional love.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace knowing she has been welcomed into eternal rest, reunited with her beloved husband Jim, and all her family that have previously passed. Her legacy of love will continue to live on through her family until the day they are reunited again in heaven.

Rose is survived by her three daughters, Lori Rouse, Rennie (Kevin Santino), and Tracie (TJ Christensen); her nine grandchildren, Jimmie (Tonya) Bybee, Chelsey Rouse, Jacob DeGarmo, Jeremy (Tanisha) Santino, Matthew and Christopher Santino, Theron (Elizabeth) Christensen, Trieg Christensen and his fiancé Maria Hernandez-Venegas, and Tressa Christensen and her boyfriend Talon Wise; seven great-grandchildren; along with many bonus great grandchildren; her brothers-in-law, Fred (Debbie) Rouse and Bernie (Terri) Fairchild; her sisters-in-law, Diana Porter (Frank Ruffing), Valerie Wright, and Patty Fairchild; and the many nieces and nephews whom she was very fond of.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Rouse; her parents; her brother, Clark Payne; parents-in-law, Vernon and Alice Fairchild; sister-in-law, Burma Rouse; nieces, Sherry and Michelle Rouse; and Levi Woodhouse who she cared about very much.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 am, Monday, February 9, 2026 at the First Christian Church, 1005 Poplar St, Buhl. Burial will conclude at the West End Cemetery, Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Rose’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.