Liberty J. Rouse

Liberty June Rouse, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother peacefully entered Heaven’s Gates from Eastgate Village in Muskogee, Oklahoma with her family at her side on Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the age of 98 years, seven months, and 14 days. She was born on June 5, 1918, in Texanna, OK to Charlie and Hattie (Whisenhunt) Dunegan. She was raised on a farm, and educated in Texanna and Artussee, Oklahoma. As a young woman, she went to work for the NYA, (National Youth Association) in 1939, this is where she met the love of her life, Sidney Lee Rouse. On March 29, 1941, Sidney and Liberty were married in Eufaula, Oklahoma. They were married 62 years. In Eufaula, Liberty and Sidney’s long life career began working for John Wilborn; Sidney repairing shoes and boots, and Liberty in retail shoes. In 1942, Mr. Wilborn moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma to re-locate his business, as well as Sidney and Liberty. In 1953, they purchased the business and the store became known as “Sidney’s Shoe Shop.” She and Sidney worked together in their business until retirement in 1985. She loved gardening, an expert seamstress, she could look at a dress in a store window, buy the exact material and make it! A great cook, her homemade noodles, dumplings, and especially her coconut pie were absolutely delicious. She loved doing for her family, always cooking Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at her home. She loved the Lord to the utmost, giving her heart to Him at an early age and remaining faithful until the end. Her positive role model and always offering encouraging words touched many lives. She was a Charter Member of New Life Center Church. Liberty loved her church and church family. Survivors include, her only child, daughter, Donna Beach and husband Donald of Muskogee; two grandchildren, Devin Ray Beach and wife Gina of Muskogee and Dione Renee Teehee of Muskogee; six great grandchildren, Bailey Beach, Alexandra Beach of Muskogee, Cole Teehee, Chaise Teehee, Nikki Teehee and Kyra Teehee of Muskogee; two nephews, Charles and Glenda Casey of Bixby, OK and Chancey and Loretta Dunegan of Checotah, OK. Liberty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Sidney of 62 years, twin sisters, Flora Wilkie and Dora Cox, and her brother, Buford Dunegan. Liberty’s family will receive friends on Monday, January 23, 2017, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at New Life Center with Rev. Philip Morris and Rev. Don Jaquez officiating. Interment will be at Greenhill Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Cole Teehee, Bailey Beach, Rev. Don Jaquez, Ron Cagle, Darren Taylor, Tom Arndt. Honorary pallbearers are Jason Todd and Rev. Joe Burrow. “In Loving Memory” God looked around His garden, and He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put His arms around you, and lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew you were suffering; He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, “Peace be thine,” He then took you up to Heaven with hands gentle and so kind. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

Liberty J. Rouse

June 5, 1918 - January 19, 2017