Raymond R. Rouse

BRADFORD – Raymond R. Rouse, 81, of rural Bradford, died at 11:33 a.m., Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home.

He was born on September 22, 1943 in Peoria, the son of Charles and Bernadine (Butte) Rouse. He married Carol J. Ouart on November 12, 1966 at Visitation Church in Kewanee. Survivors include his wife of Bradford, his four daughters; Karen Rouse (Tom) of Kewanee and Pamela Rosebeck (Jeremy), both of Kewanee, Amanda (Jeff) Whitted of Funks Grove, IL and Shelley (Kevin) Rouse-Quanstrom of Kewanee, grandchildren; Jacqueline Rouse, Daniel (Alesia) Juarez, Valerie (Michael) Anaya, Michelle Workheiser, Meghan Cornell, Sam Cornell and Kristina Quanstrom, eight great grandchildren; Quincy and Malaki Rouse, Nakoah Juarez, Antonio, Alonso and Amelio Anaya and K.J. and Gemma Scott, brother, Richard (Mary Jo) Rouse of Kewanee, sister-in-law, Hilda Rouse of Henry, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters and two nephews.

Raymond graduated from Bradford High School in 1961. He farmed in the area for many years and sold seed corn and soybeans as a dealer and supervisor.  Ray served his country in the Army National Guard for 6 years and was the Regional Director for Excel Communications. He also raised hogs and cattle, did carpentry work and served as an election judge for 2 years. His hobbies included bowling in leagues, deer hunting, crafting with wood, attending tractor pulls and arm wrestling. He arm-wrestled big named opponents from Pasadena and won 1st place in the left- & right-hand category. Throughout his competitions he never placed lower than 2nd place.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 24 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 23 at the funeral home. The burial will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veteran Council. Memorials may be directed in his name for a memorial to be established.

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