Ann Marie (Meek) Roush passed away on September 2, 2020. She was born on October 11, 1937 in East Palestine, OH, the daughter of J. Dale Meek and Florence (Quilter) Meek. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Mary Margaret Ross.
Ann grew up in East Palestine, OH and graduated from East Palestine High School in 1955. She attended Kent State University, where she met her future husband; Ann married Howard W. (Bill) Roush on December 28, 1957, and they had five children as well as 16 grandchildren. She was devoted to her husband and family, and they were the focus of her every day life. She was extremely proud of the achievements of their five children—all with college degrees—and totally confident in the future success of their grandchildren who all understand the concept of maintaining a strong work ethic.
Early in their marriage, Ann taught Kindergarten in Ohio. She devoted her life to being a full-time mother of five children, and her strength as a mother represented the personification of motherhood. She returned to college at Eastern Michigan University when their youngest child, Valarie, entered the first grade. Ann graduated in 1980, earning Elementary Teacher Certification. In 1984, she began a 12-year period as a teacher at two Catholic Schools in Detroit, Presentation Our Lady of Victory and Transfiguration Academy. In 1988, she earned her Master of Arts from Oakland University. In 1994, she earned her Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University, and served as Principal at St. Cyprian Parish School in Riverview, MI, until her retirement. In retirement, she continued her commitment to education by tutoring elementary and high school students, as well as serving many through the English as a Second Language Program.
Ann is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Howard W. (Bill) Roush. She is the dear sister of Dr. Thomas Meek and wife, Marilyn, of Odessa, TX, and dear sister-in-law of Richard Ross of Prescott, AZ; she is the loving and devoted mother to Howard William Roush III, Amy Adams (Darren), Margaret Spence (Mike), Benjamin Roush (Lisa), and Valarie Kole (Max); and she is survived by 16 grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. Ann touched the lives of so many people with her kindness and friendship, and she will be dearly missed.
Funeral Services will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, MI. Visitation is the same day in the church gathering space, 10 a.m. until the time of service. All are welcome. The church is following current CDC recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and those in attendance will be instructed accordingly; masks must be worn and social distance maintained. Private burial will occur at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Ann’s memory to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, MI, www.mitchellfuneral.com.
