Delores 'Dolly' M. "Dee," Rouse-Huth

1936 - 2024

Delores "Dee," affectionately known as "Dolly" by her friends and family, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 14th, 2024, surrounded by the love and care of her family.

Born in Hannaford, North Dakota, on October 9, 1936, Dee was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and adventurer. Her life was a testament to joy, love, and passion. As the eldest of 10 children, Dee was a natural leader who inspired those around her from an early age. Dee's strong work ethic was evident from her youth, earning her an honors scholarship to Western Montana College of Education in Dillon. In 1956, Dee married Donald Rouse, and together they moved between Anaconda, Montana, and various cities in Idaho and Utah, chasing their dreams and building a future. Dee held leadership positions throughout her career, including Deputy County Treasurer in Anaconda, and she achieved success in sales for several large jewelry companies.

The couple's adventurous spirit led them to manage a property in Nevada, where Dee honed her skills as an independent business owner. She bought and sold land and raw materials for fine jewelry, all while hosting events for local families and children. After traveling the Western states in an RV with their children, they settled in Sacramento, California. Here, Dee opened several businesses, including D's Jewelry Supply in Carmichael and Nighthorse Studios in Old Sacramento. Her entrepreneurial drive culminated in the founding of the California Institute of Jewelry Training (CIJT) in 1979, which trained over 3,500 students from across the globe in jewelry design, manufacture, and repair. Dee also added the Master Valuer (MV) appraisal program, a curriculum still used today.

Dee's leadership extended to her role as the first woman president of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce. Dee also served as president of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. After separating from Donald in 1976, Dee met Lieutenant Colonel Mel Huth in 1987. The two married in 1990. Dee purchased Bramble's Fine Jewelry and the couple opened the Arden Town Mail & Business Center together. Their businesses became cornerstones of their community. Dee and Mel made friends wherever they went, always opening their hearts and home to others. Dee's work included global travel, helping to establish jewelry trade schools and offering Master Valuer workshops in multiple countries.

In her personal life, Dee was a force of nature, full of love, laughter, and generosity. She was a gifted hostess, always at the center of celebrations, and had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in everyone around her. Her love for her family was immense, and she found her greatest joy as a grandmother, affectionately known as "Gramma Dee," "Dolly," or "Grandma Barbie." She cherished her 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and the many others she embraced as family.

Dolly is survived by her loving husband, Mel Huth; her children, Robyn Kleinhans (Steven), Raina Palombi (Michael), Ryan Rouse (Cara), and Cheryl Demetre (Greg); her grandchildren, Hailey Kleinhans (Bryan), Kole Kleinhans (Jessica), Jennifer Spinner (Brandon), Tyler Rouse (Kayla), Jason Rouse (Kamryn), Charles Palombi (Kyra), Andrew Palombi, Samantha Palombi, Claire Rouse, Anna Rouse, Grace Rouse; her great-grandchildren, Jack Spinner, Cole Spinner, Maya Rouse, Roman Rouse, Liam Zablotny, Waylon Kleinhans, and Kayce Rouse; as well as her siblings, Lorraine Martin (George), Richard Ohman (Brenda), and Sandi Duncan (David). She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Myrtle Ohman; her brothers, Vernon, David, and Don Ohman; her sisters, Myrna Shockley, Karen Schorzman, and Nancy Morrison; her first husband, Donald Rouse; and her beloved eldest son, Ripley Rouse.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Carmichael Presbyterian Church, 5645 Marconi Ave., Carmichael.