A funeral will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 for 87-year-old Lelia Dorothy DeRousse of Belleville, Ill., who passed away at 2:37 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Mercy Rehab and Care Center in Swansea, Illinois.
She was born September 15, 1936 in Evansville, Illinois, a daughter of Walter Valentine and Margaret Emily (nee Simpson) Heuman who both preceded her in death.
Lelia married Robert “Bob” Guthrie DeRousse on November 23, 1961 at St Boniface Catholic Church in Evansville, Illinois; he preceded her in death on August 10, 2023.
She is survived by a son: Robert (Ellen) DeRousse of Belleville, Ill.; two sisters: Wanda Long of Evansville, Ill. and M. June Smith of Effingham, Ill.; two grandchildren: Emma and Robert DeRousse;
several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a sister: Ailene (Adam) Becker; a half-sister: Anna Mae Hopley, and two brothers-in-law: Charles Long and Roger Smith.
Lelia worked at Spartan Printing in Sparta, Illinois before becoming an overseas flight attendant for United, Eastern, and Trans Ocean Airlines for many years.
She then went to work as a floral designer at the Ben Franklin Store in Belleville until her retirement.
She was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Belleville, Illinois, Evansville Seniors, and Moose Lodge No. 1221 in Belleville/Swansea, Illinois.
Lelia had been the president of the PTO and Mother’s Club at Abraham Lincoln School in Belleville, Illinois.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 31,2024 at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, Illinois.
A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 for 87-year-old Lelia Dorothy DeRousse of Belleville, Ill., at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, Illinois. Officiating: Father Iuvenis Iheme and Father Steven Pautler.
Interment will be at the St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Evansville, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society.