Blanche "Bonnie" Marie Burnette Rouse, 78, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. at Crestwood Funeral Home with the Rev. J.L. Knight and the Rev. C. Gerald Taylor officiating. The burial will follow at Williams Southside Cemetery. Visitation will be at Crestwood Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 5 until 7 p.m. Crestwood Funeral Home is directing.
Bonnie was born in Franklin County, N.C., to the late James and Mary Ann Burnette. In 1952, after graduating from Gold Sand High School, she moved to Raleigh, N.C., and married the love of her life, Bill Rouse. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7, 2013. Bonnie and Bill lived in the Gadsden and Southside areas for many years before their return from North Carolina. In 2008, they returned to live in Rainbow City, Ala. She was a member of Safe Harbor Church of God.
Bonnie was a faithful and loving wife and pastor's wife, "given to much hospitality," the dearest and most precious mother always sacrificing for her children, a doting grandmother fondly known as "Nanaw," and a friend to all. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. In previous years, Bonnie was employed by Irwin Realty, Green Valley Real Estate, Plumbers Wholesale and Engineering Sales.
She is survived by her caring and devoted husband of 59 years, the Rev. Bill Rouse; daughters, Donna Rouse Taylor (Gerald) of Ashville, Ala., and Deneise Rouse Trachtenbroit of Roswell, Ga.; son Timothy Rouse of Vista, Calif.; granddaughter, Kristin Taylor Dunn (Shaun) of Ashville, Ala.; grandsons, Curtis Taylor (Karis) of Royersford, Pa., and Michael Trachtenbroit of Monroe Township, N.J.; sister, Irene Tharrington of Louisburg, N.C.; brother, Floyd Burnette of Rocky Mount, N.C.; brothers-in-law, Thomas Rouse (Brenda) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dr. John Gambill (Holly) of Elkin, N.C.; sister-in-law, Betty Rouse of Augusta, Ga.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sisters, Emma Patterson, Pearl Vick and Hazel Jones.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Gadsden Regional Medical Center MICU nurses for your wonderful care of Bonnie and compassion to our family, also to our church families, friends and neighbors for your prayers and support.
Bl