Arlene Roush

Arlene Roush, age 100, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Arlene Louise Culler was born on October 10, 1924, in Colony, Kansas, the oldest of four siblings including a brother and twin sisters, born to Robert and Clara (Murray) Culler. Arlene went to school at the Colony grade and high school, graduating in 1942. Arlene enjoyed playing the piano, violin, dancing, roller skating, family outings (swimming and picnicking) with friends, and cruising around Colony.

After high school, Arlene worked for the telephone company at Colony and then went to Kansas City and worked for the "Seal Right Bottle Cap Co." during World War II. Arlene and Henry (Jack) Roush were married on July 30, 1943 in Denver, Colorado. Henry Roush was stationed in England with the Army Air Corp. Arlene returned to Colony and helped raise siblings as her mother was in ill health. She furthered her education at Chanute, Kansas Junior College and taught at a country school northeast of Bush City for a year. Henry finished his Army service and returned home.

Henry and Arlene established a home and started a family. Their first child Shirley was born. They moved to California where Henry started a career with the Santa Fe Railroad and Sandy was born. Mary Ann was born in Kansas. The family moved back to Garnett, Kansas to be closer to their families and all the fun times with playing cards and family gatherings. Eventually the family moved to Emporia, Kansas where Henry still worked with the railroad and Bob was born. The kids finished their elementary, middle and senior high school in Emporia. Arlene worked as a waitress, AVON representative, Sears clerk, and JC Penney's clerk. Henry retired and three years later they moved back to Colony, Kansas.

Arlene continued working outside the home; Sears catalog store, and Colony City Clerk (retired in 1988). Other activities included Eastern Star (local Colony chapter and a District aide). Arlene was a member of the Silver Haired Legislature. Henry passed away in 1988 and Arlene moved to Emporia Horizon Plaza in April 2006, then Holiday Resort until April 2023, due to the closing she moved to Emporia Presbyterian Manor.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Henry of 44 years; parents; son, Bob Roush; grandson, Chuck Leith and siblings, Arden Culler, Bettie Caudell, and Bonnie Rook.

She is survived by her daughters, Shirley Marsh and companion Wayne Simmons of Emporia, Kansas, Sandy Hines and husband Ray of Emporia, Kansas, and Mary Ann Cunningham and husband Ron of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brian Leith, Sheri Siebert, Tim Hines, Deanne Kelly, Leigh Ann Errico, Debbie Hicks; 12 great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, January 24, 2025 at High Point Cowboy Church in Colony, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Hand In Hand Hospice and left in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com