Ethel Otis Rous, 89, died November 7, 2002, loving wife of the late Joseph J., Bronze Star POW, and European Theatre; daughter of the late Michael Matthew and Mary, nee Kausal Otis; sister of Edward and the late Mame Custer, Bessie Otis, Lillian Siegert, Ella Wagman, William Otis and Mildred Vucha; mother of Robert Joseph, Richard (Sheryl, nee Bauer) of McHenry and Ronald (Betty, nee Peters) of Westchester; grandmother of Randall (Denise) and Kurt Rous, Matthias and Carolyn Kennebeck, Paul, William and Hope Rous. Our mother loved her homes in Bridgeport and Brighton Park but most of all, she loved her home in Riverside. Since 1948, she cherished and took great care of it until her death. Hardened from the Great Depression and War, our parents were so humble, so kind and so giving. They dedicated their lives completely, totally and unselfishly to each other, their family, friends and community nationwide. Our mother always fought the good fight, be it without her husband during those months listed as KIA, then MIA, then captured be it with the 63 years at his side, or the 16 months after his passing on July 14, 2001. Our parents used to say that they were the best thing that ever happened to each other. Our mother was loving and giving beyond words, but you only had to look at her hands, her lovely wrinkled face and into her eyes, and then you would know mom without anything having to be said. Visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, with services following at 3 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 400 Nuttall Rd., Riverside. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or Alzheimer’s Research. Funeral arrangements by Ivins Funeral Home 708-447-2261
