Marilou Harold Roush, Class of 1945

12/5/2016 5:00 AM

Marilou Harold Roush ’45 passed away on Dec. 5, 2016. She was 92 years old.A native of New York, Marilou met her husband, Edwin L. “Dubbs” Roush ’47, while both were students at Otterbein. Dubbs left Otterbein in 1942 to join the Navy where he served “3 years, 3 months and 3 days.”  After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, the World War II veteran returned to Otterbein to complete his studies and the couple married in March of 1946. Together they built a life that profoundly contributed to the “O” Club, Otterbein, Westerville and central Ohio.

In 1951, Dubbs founded Roush Hardware. He later added Roush Sporting Goods and Roush Honda to the Roush family of businesses. Dubbs and Marilou made the lead $2 million gift to build Roush Hall, which was dedicated on June 12, 1993. They also were the leading private donors of the new Memorial Stadium, which was dedicated on September 17, 2005.  The Roush family and related businesses are valued members of the Otterbein and local communities.

As a mother of five children, two of whom graduated from Otterbein, Marilou spent many years serving those closest to her. She participated in many Otterbein functions and was a member of the 1945 Golden Reunion committee.

Marilou was preceded in death by her husband, Dubbs. She is survived by her children, Wendy Roush ’71, Susan Roush Fagan, Larry Roush ’76, Daniel Roush and Cynthia Roush ’80; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

A viewing and service will be at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, with viewing at 9:30 a.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., followed by a private burial

.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Otterbein “O” Club, St. Paul Catholic Church or WARM.

The arrangements are being handled by Moreland Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at morelandfuneralhome.com.