Dawn Rouse

DAWN E. ROUSE

Independence

Dawn E. Rouse, 50, of rural Independence, died Monday, July 17, 2017, at her home following a long illness.

Dawn was born March 3, 1967, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Darwin D. and Mary J. (Sherren) Johnson. She was a graduate of Independence High School in Independence and received a bachelor's degree in

business from the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. After college she worked for Hazleton Farm Service in Hazleton for several years before joining her parents' business, Johnson Appliance in Independence, in 1994. In 2004, she began working for Cy & Charley's Inc., Independence, as appliance salesperson. On Sept. 10, 2005, Dawn married the love of her life, Tony Russell Rouse, at First Presbyterian Church in Independence. They made their home in rural Independence.

She loved the outdoors, and went for a long walk every day despite weather conditions. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, bowling and riding and caring for horses.

She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Tony Rouse, Independence; her parents, Darwin and Mary Johnson, Independence; a brother, Mark Johnson, Chicago; her father- and mother-in-law, Russell and Marilyn (Schnepf) Rouse, Independence; a sister-in-law, Teresa Higdon, Rowley; a brother-in-law, Thomas Rouse, Independence; three uncles, Rick Johnson, Independence, Glen Johnson, La Crosse, Wis., and Burdette Johnson, Shell Rock; an aunt, Anne Sherren, Lombard, Ill.; and many cousins.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 21, at First Presbyterian Church, Independence, with the Rev. John Hougen officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. Arrangements are with Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.