August 21, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —
Linda Rouse Howard, 85, of Seven Springs passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 21, 2025. She was born December 12, 1939, to the late Konrad McCoy Rouse and Mary Alexander Rouse.
Linda was a member of Seven Springs Church on the Hill where she served in many capacities. She graduated from East Carolina University and was a teacher with Lenoir County Public Schools for over 30 years. She then worked and retired from Lynn’s Hallmark in Kinston.
Linda is preceded in death by her sisters, Mildred Suites and Dorothy Hunter. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, George Clayton Howard; and by her three sons: Clay Howard and his partner, Gina LoGalbo Romaniello; Bill Paderick Jr. and his wife, Joyce; and Chris Paderick and his wife, Jimi. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Christopher DeLuise, Chris Smith and his wife, Toni, Anne Lambert, Billy Paderick, Madison Howard-Reardon and her husband, Tyler, Anthony Romaniello, AJ Romaniello, Dustin Paderick, and Drew Lambert and his partner, Lynnsey Hamner. Her legacy continues through eight great-grandchildren: Addison Lambert, Sawyer Lambert, Cohen DeLuise, Collin Smith, Clara Jean DeLuise, Larsen Smith, Rusty Paderick, and Camden Lambert. Linda is also survived by her sisters, Evelyn Barrow and Emma Jones, and by her sister-in-law, Margaret McIntosh. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her special caregiver, Sonya Raynor, for her loving care and support.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home in La Grange. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Rouse Funeral Home with graveside service following at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. The family extends their appreciation for all thoughts and prayers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Seven Springs Church on the Hill or Samaritans Purse. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
