Roberta F. "Bertie" Roush, age 84 of Gallipolis, died Saturday March 16, 2024 at Holzer Medical Center. Born October 18, 1939 in Gallipolis, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Helen P. Neuman Johnson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by a sister, Rebecca Archer and sisters-in-law, Katie Hesson and Patty Hern.
Bertie attended Gallia Academy High School with the amazing class of 1957 where she was a majorette for the fighting Blue Devils. She became a member of the GA alumni and held multiple offices in that organization. Bertie was a ground floor member, along with her mentor Estivaun Matthews, in the pursuit of two school levies that culminated in the building of the new Gallia Academy High School.
She was a longtime member and choir participant of Grace United Methodist Church in Gallipolis.
Bertie was the driving force in the establishment of the Gallia County Historical Society and a supportive member of the Gallia County Genealogical Society.
Her involvement in the French Colony Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution extended from the local chapter to both state and national involvement. Bertie served as regent, vice regent, secretary, and registrar for French Colony. At the state level, she served in numerous positions on the state board. Her position as registrar formed a strong line between the local chapter and the national society. Her extensive networking across the state of Ohio resulted in a published book, Glimpses of Ohio's Counties. This book is a compilation of narratives describing each of the 88 counties in Ohio.
Bertie's professional life was another personal passion. She loved children and when Barbara Moore, her sister friend, asked her to come to Community Nursery School, she began a 30-year journey that brought her much love and fulfillment from the children who became forever friends.
She is survived by her husband, James W. "Jim" Roush who she married on November 8, 1959, daughters, Cindy (David) Graham and Lisa (Tom) Richie. Grandchildren, Jamie (Amy) Graham, Cassie (Aaron) Walker, Jake (Tracy) Richie, Joe (Beth) Graham and Valerie (Ryan) Henry. Great grandchildren, Juniper Jolie, Stone Jacob, Winnie Jay, Cole Lane, Jane Nicole, Graham Aaron, Naomi Cathryn, Aftyn May, Thomas Maxwell, Elizabeth Loulea, Kamrym Nicole, Zeke Frederick, Sean Patrick and Lindsay Jo. Great great grandchildren, James Cole and Olivia Macyn. In addition to her family, Bertie was extremely fond of longtime friend, Cathy Greenleaf.
Funeral services will be at Noon Wednesday March 20, 2024 at Grace Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Kane and Rev. Candy Nuce officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday starting at 5:00 PM and concluding at 7:00 PM with the DAR service conducted by the French Colony Chapter NSDAR.
Pallbearers will be, Jamie Graham, Jake Richie, Joe Graham, Aaron Walker, Ryan Henry and Mike Hern. Honorary pallbearers will be, Mike Carter, Kenneth Hern, David Graham and Tom Richie.
In addition to flowers, contributions can be made to Holzer Hospice or to the Grace Methodist Church food bank.
An online guest registry is available at waugh-halley-wood.com