Anonymous
We are here to celebrate the life of Kay Loretta (VanBrocklin) Rousell. Daughter to Russell and Gertrude. Sister to Raymond, Janice, Avis, Loa, Vee, Vicki, Dale, Keith, Jane and Gary. Mother to Douglas, Dennis, Kristen. Mother in law to Cynthia, Vicki, Jim, Kathy. Grandmother to Rebecca, Matthew, Brendon, Emily, Ryan, Kelly, Jillian, Anna, and Megan. Most importantly, wife to Mark.
I was not around for Mom’s first 20 years. I lived with her for her second 20 years. I have fond memories of her final 30 plus years. We lived in many homes, including McDowell Street, Collegiate Court, Hazelwood Court and 1241 Clayton Avenue. We lived in three houses that were new construction. I have purchased 3 new construction homes and know the clean up when you move in. Your retirement home was new construction also. Clean, clean, clean, that was mom. I am so glad you were able to spend your final days in that beautiful home.
Memories. Cub scouts. Boy Scouts. You helped with my home improvement merit badge. Thirty five years later I was able to use those skills helping Kristen fix her telephone jack. We had many pets over the years. Patches, Bruno, Muffin, George. Thanks for walking those dogs. We have a little lasha alpso, so I guess what goes around comes around. I remember our last family vacation in June 1980. We went in the Winnebago to St. Louis. We visited the arch and some underground caverns. Thank you for allowing me to perform with the Polka Towner’s polka band. That experience is a significant part of my life. Without it, I would not be married to my wife, Kathy. One thing I never told you about playing in the band. My first with the Polka Towner’s was to the VFW in Holton. On the way home we slid off the road just before North Muskegon. Music is a big part of my life. Thanks for all the piano lesions and listening to my saxophone, I remember that I played in the concert band for your commencement at Muskegon Community College. I am one of the few people that got to play Pomp and Circumstance for their mother’s graduation.
After I went on my own, there were the usual trips and visits. You came to my graduation in the Navy. You allowed your husband and son to participate in a short cruise on my destroyer. I remember Kristen’s wedding. It was your first time at a Catholic Mass. As the mass unfolded, I was providing the responses and motions. You asked me how I knew what to do. My reply was we went to mass each Saturday before we performed. You made some wonderful meals. One of my favorites was sloppy Joes, baked beans, and chocolate pudding cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. I later years, you baked cookies cakes and pies. You used Olestra and Splenda. On those trips home, we found all five rest areas between Muskegon and Ann Arbor. We figured it out and asked you to use sugar and lard.
You were there for me. You attended all your children’s graduations and weddings. You were present at the baptisms of my three children. You helped watch Emily and Jillian when we needed you. Now you are gone. You will be missed at the graduations and weddings of your grand children.
In conclusion, as I was preparing my wardrobe for your funeral, I was matching up shirts and ties. It finally hit me. You are not here to say “Doug you look so nice today.” I am sad that you are not here. I look forward to the time when we meet again.##imported-begin##Doug Rousell##imported-end##