Lelia Dorothy Derousse

LELIA DOROTHY DEROUSSE , 87, of Belleville, Illinois, passed away at 2:37 pm, Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at Mercy Rehab and Care Center in Swansea, Illinois.

She was born to the late Walter Valentine and Margaret Emily (nee Simpson) Heuman on September 15, 1936 in Evansville, Illinois.

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.

Lelia had 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 for 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 #1221 in Belleville/Swansea, Illinois. Lelia had been the president of the PTO and Mother’s Club at Abraham Lincoln School in Belleville, Illinois.

Survivors:

1 Son:

Robert (Ellen) DeRousse Belleville, IL

2 Sisters:

Wanda Long Evansville, IL

M. June Smith Effingham, IL

2 Grandchildren:

Emma and Robert DeRousse

Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, Husband, 1 Sister – Ailene (Adam) Becker, Half-Sister – Anna Mae Hopley, and 2 Brothers-in-law – Charles Long and Roger Smith

Funeral Mass:

11:00 am, Friday, May 31, 2024

St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, Illinois

Officiating:

Father Iuvenis Iheme

Father Steven Pautler

Interment:

St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery

Evansville, Illinois

Visitation:

Friday - 9:00 am – 11:00 am

St. Boniface Catholic Church, Evansville, Illinois

Memorials:

Belleville Area Humane Society