Penny Jean Rouse, 62, passed away Sunday July 9, 2017 at her home with her loving husband Gordon at her side, after losing her battle with cancer.
She was born on March 2, 1955 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Marquette to Henry and Patricia (Themel) Polkinghorne.
Penny graduated from Gladstone High School in 1973 and attended Bay De Noc Community College where she received her nursing degree. She worked at Pinecrest Medical Facility in Powers until she and Gordon opened and operated an adult foster care home in Republic, MI for many years. After selling the AFC home, Penny went to work at Bishop Noah Home in Escanaba until retiring due to health reasons.
Penny and Gordon have been married almost 40 years and together have one son, Gerald.
Penny’s intelligence, along with her positive, bubbly, and comical personality, helped in all facets of her life. These characteristics she shared daily with everyone, bringing much joy to others.
Penny loved her garage sales, selling her wares on eBay, and keeping her family updated and informed on the latest news and financial markets.
A baby brother, Melvin and her mother and father, precedes her in death.
Penny is survived by her husband, Gordon, their son, Gerald, 2 sisters, Sue McKenzie (Jerry) DuRoy and Karen (Ron) Frappier, both of Gladstone, 3 brothers, Henry David Polkinghorne of Scammon, KS, Bruce (Lisa) Polkinghorne of Great Bend, KS and Paul (Lisa) Polkinghorne of Skandia, MI.
Penny’s family will receive friends on Saturday July 15, 2017 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Lakeside Christian Church, 2300 S. 21st Street, Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Penny Jean Rouse will follow at 3:00 PM with Pastor Mark Highum officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Lakeside Christian Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the family.
Geri Schwark - Escanaba, Mi
Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your Sister, Penny. I remember how you talked about her when we worked at Kmart together. When you talked about her or she popped in to see you, the smile on your face said it all on how much she meant to you. I know time will heal, but remember those good times you had with her….she will now be your Guardian Angel forever. I know this because my slblings too are watching over me and I miss them everyday. When I see a cardinal or have them in my dreams, I know they are with me and nothing will ever take that feeling away!!!! Love You & miss You!!! Sorry I can’t be there, I’ll be working…
Connie - Escanaba, Mi
R.i.p. beautiful sister in law u will be miss.
Cheryl Bernard - DeTour Village, MI
My condolences to Sue & Jerry & all of Penny’s family. I knew Penny in school & she was a great person.
So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely~
Cheryl & the Kalishek family
Gordy - Gladstone, Mi
To the love of life..
Right now it feels as though there is a big hole in my chest. But then I think of how lucky I was to be able to love someone so much and to have someone love me just as much. People look a life time to find what we had. I’ll keep the home fires lit .
Gordy - Gladstone, Mi
To the love of life..
Right now it feels as though there is a big hole in my chest. But then I think of how lucky I was to be able to love someone so much and to have someone love me just as much. People look a life time to find what we had. I’ll keep the home fires lit .
Sue DuRoy - Gladstone, MI
My dear, dear sister and rummage sale partner, I will miss you every day for the rest of my life until we can be together again. I am still waiting for you to send me an email or call me saying what sale is on and where we will be going for the day. My daily tears will not stop even though I know you are now at peace and no longer feel any pain. The garden is neglected, and there will be no beans to shell under the apple tree. Your legs can now dance all you want and I am sure that God wanted you there so you won’t hurt anymore. I miss you Pen and I love you dearly. Sue
Donna Bellaire Costelli - Holbrook, AZ
Penny you were the most special to me over many, many years. No matter my travels I always seemed to find you. We always had good talks. I love you and wish you peace in your resting and may perpetual light shine upon you forever.
Your x sister in law
Donna Bellaire-Costelli