Obituaries 09/03/09

Stewart Albert Rouse


TAMPA, Fla. — Stewart Albert Rouse, 90, died Aug. 28, 2009, at Hospice Home in Tampa, Fla.

He was born in Shoreham on Aug.19, 1919, the son of William and Sofia Rouse. He attended schools in Shoreham and Middlebury. After graduation he married Ruth Ellis and then enlisted in the armed forces. He served in the Philippines during World War II.

He was a pioneer in the milk hauling business during the transition of canned milk shipped by rail over to bulk milk shipped by truck transport, becoming one of the largest trucking companies in the Northeast, having well over 150 trucks. He also served two terms in the state Legislature, representing Hartford.

He was a 50-year member of Union Lodge No. 2 F. & A.M. and also a member of Shriners. He served on the board of directors for the Connecticut River Bank of Charlestown, N.H. His family says he was a well-respected and successful businessman; he accomplished this with the help of his wife Ruth.

He is survived by his friend and companion Joan Hoskins of Land O’Lakes, Fla.; two brothers, Sanford and his wife Theda of Brandon, and Charles and his wife Betty of Castleton; two sons, Richard and his wife Lucy of Brandon, and Stewart Jr. and his wife Karen of Eliot, Maine; one daughter, Marilyn and her husband Dale of Land O’Lakes, Fla; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Ruth and a son, Ellis.

There will be no calling hours. A graveside service will take place on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Prospect Cemetery in East Middlebury. The American Legion Post 49 of Middlebury will provide military honors.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Vermont Association for the Blind at 37 Elmwood Ave., Burlington, VT 05401-4390, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children at Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

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