Phyllis June Roush

Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come. The dawn came for Phyllis Roush, 92, on 8-14-2024 at the Cottages of Manor Park in Midland, Texas where she finished her earthly journey and entered into eternity.

Memorial service will be held Monday, August 19^th, 2024 at 1:00pm at the First Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas. Graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo, Texas.

Phyllis was born on October 4th, 1931 to Elmo and Margaret Duke in the middle of the Great Depression and the devastating Dust Bowl. Growing up and living in such times either snaps one like a twig or strengthens them, and in Phyllis’ case, they produced a courageous spirit that accepted life on life’s terms and met any storms head on.

Phyllis had her life figured out and carefully planned. After school she would become a U.S Navy Nurse, heal the sick, and see the world. Alas, the Navy lost a bright star when in 1948, she met and married Don Roush. The word “whirlwind” hardly described their relationship and the words of all who knew the 17 and 19 year old couple rang in their ears, “it’ll never last” as they drove off to their honeymoon. Phyllis and Don were married for 66 years until Don’s death in 2014. Just goes to show you how much “everyone knows!”

Phyllis was a life-long resident of Amarillo and with her usual zeal, she was active in her church, her community, and her family’s life until a breast cancer diagnosis at 64 uprooted her and her husband to Houston, Texas for some years. After recovery she and Don started another chapter in their life in Midland, Texas where their son, Duke and his family lived and they weren’t too far from their daughter, Dona. Her grandchildren Ashley and Lindsey Roush were the magnets that drew Don and Phyllis to Midland.

Phyllis chose to devote her time, energy and talents to serve God in his church where she was a beloved Sunday School teacher to numerous high school students who can continue to share her love of the Lord and pass on her enthusiasm to their children. Phyllis found her passion in working with Presbyterian Women at the local, state, and national level where she became moderator of Presbyterian Women, Synod of the Sun, encompassing a five state area of local Presbyterian Women.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Don Roush, her son, Duke Roush and her parents, Margaret and Elmo Duke. Phyllis is survived by her daughter Dona Roush of Guthrie, Oklahoma, her daughter-in-law Cheryl Roush of Midland, Texas, grandchildren, Ashley Roush of Midland and Lindsey Roush (Art) of Lubbock, Texas.

The family extends their love and gratitude to the caregivers of Scharbauer Cottage at Manor Park in Midland. Not only did they expertly care for her health, they loved and ministered to her soul; Phyllis and her family were loved and adopted into the Manor Park Family.

Obituaries are all about “just the facts, ma’am” but to get an idea of Phyllis, I am sure she met God with empty hands because she gave it all away.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Salvation Army.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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