June 4, 2026, 73, La Grange – Having fought the good fight and kept the faith, Deborah Ann Killette Rouse, 73, finished the race and ran into the open arms of her Savior on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Deborah was born in Lenoir County on November 17, 1952, to the late Wayne and Shirley Wade Killette. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, Monk and Evelyne Rouse; son-in-law, Jamie Rouse; niece, Stephanie Wade; brother-in-law, Joe Price; and cousin, Arthur “Big Time” Eakes.
Having lived on a farm her entire life, a love of the land and a spirit of hard work were ingrained into every fiber of Deborah’s being. Whether maintaining her home or working on the farm alongside her husband, Wayne, Deborah was always up to the task at hand. Through the years, she spent many springs on the transplanter setting tobacco, summers hauling it from the field to the barn, and was a steady helping hand throughout the year wherever she was needed in the hog and turkey houses.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Deborah’s voice blended beautifully with the sounds of her parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. As a lifelong and faithful member of Bethel Fellowship Church, music was one of the many ways Deborah expressed her great love for the Lord. Though health struggles kept her from sharing her gifts in years past, she was grateful for the opportunity to sing in the church’s dinner theatre presentation this past year.
Dedicated to maintaining an immaculate yard, Deborah spent countless hours tending her flower beds and keeping her grass just as she wanted it. Those who drove by their home recognized the beauty of her yard and the many hours she devoted to its care. While always joyful and smiling, that smile would fade just a bit if someone happened to run over her grass.
Deborah’s bonds with family were beyond compare. Her nearly fifty-five-year marriage to Wayne was a true testament to their love, and her two children were her heartbeat. Each time a new grandchild was added to the family, her capacity for love grew even more. She maintained close relationships with her siblings, siblings-in-law, and their families, along with the many church friends she loved dearly.
Selfless and humble, Deborah always put others before herself. Her faith and her light remained constant. Though she endured many health challenges and experienced deep struggles, her faith never wavered, her determination never lessened, and her joy never faded.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Franklin officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Deborah is survived by her husband of nearly fifty-five years, Wayne Rouse; son, Jordan Rouse and wife, Ashlee; daughter, Mindy Rouse Barnes and husband, Brooks; grandchildren, Payton, Jackson, Pearson, Ryan, Aarlee Micah, Perkins, Ben, Channing, Paitley, and Evan; siblings, Joy Hill and husband, Doug, Jeff Killette and wife, Donna, and Wade Killette and wife, Lisa; sisters-in-law, Allyson Price and Gail Rouse; brother-in-law, Tim Rouse and wife, Stephanie; special friends, Tim and Joanna Dail; her canine companion, Maggie; her parakeets, Tarheel and Angel; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to Susie Moye for her steadfast assistance caring for Deborah through this season.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be sent to Bethel Fellowship Church, c/o Jackie Overbee, 106 Muierfield Place, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
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