MARION, IN - The biggest heart in Grant County stopped beating on January 19, 2023, at 2:35 pm. Richard Jeremy Roush passed away at the age of 55 wrapped in abundant love. It is believed all of Heaven could hear Richie proclaiming “I did it, I did it, I did it” as he was welcomed by Jesus who was grinning and giggling with Rich as he made his grand entrance into eternity.

Rich entered this world on September 22, 1967, born with Down's Syndrome and a large hole in his heart. That hole healed over time, but it was Richie's real heart that would in turn heal many others. His fun-loving humorous way brought joy and laughter to all who crossed his path. Rich simply met the needs of others in a very special way. Friends, family, teachers, aides, the local Sheriff (yep - funny story there), caregivers, doctors, staff, nurses, administrators; everyone who met Rich was impacted by his sincere and sweet and often mischievous style.

Although Rich graduated from Marion High School in 1989, he attended Oak Hill School Corporation for several years, creating a wonderful gathering of friends in the classroom, on the bus, and in the Cook Estates neighborhood. On bus or on bike ride, Rich made everything an adventure. Rich even had a couple stints as a "stunt" driver. The Roush family would like to personally thank Larry and Nancy Knee for making sure that nobody was hurt while Rich took to the road imitating his favorite show at the time, The Dukes of Hazzard. Sadly, for Richie this last act would bring a swift end to his aspirations to driving a car anywhere for anyone.

He also loved to celebrate! If it was your birthday or his (but mostly his) he loved to have a party! Rich's parents John and Sedonna threw a great big birthday bash every fall with fabulous food and always a cake or two. However, Rich was known to celebrate his birthday any day of the year. The family would like to apologize now to all the restaurants where he told the unknowing waitstaff that "today" was his birthday.

Rich was a modern-day Picasso. He loved to draw pictures of dogs and goats and people on any kind of paper. He could have been state-ranked in speed and detail on any subject matter with an Etch and Sketch! And how he could put a puzzle together without looking at the picture never ceased to amaze. Oh, and don't think about getting in his way during an intense game of Mario Kart on Nintendo 64. No one was more excited to see someone win money on a game show than Rich! Rich loved his TV Guide, his collection of blues harmonicas, lottery tickets, calendars, and bacon cheeseburgers from Cracker Barrel.

Friends and family will miss Richie's love and smile and his ability to make you feel better no matter your circumstances. Additionally, many will miss the times he called us Old Goats, piggy, and puppy dogs. Later in life Rich had a dear sweet neighbor that made sure Richie got his daily exercise of a walk across the street. Richie's "old buddy Bob" was there to love and encourage him with the promise of a Diet Coke at the end of each stroll. We are sure that Bob was there to meet Rich in heaven holding a diet coke for his old buddy.

Richie is preceded in death by his amazing mom, Sedonna Roush. Surviving and still reflecting on this amazing life of Richard J. Roush is his father, John A. Roush; his brother, "Johnny" (Valerie) Roush; nephew, Zachary (Stephanie) Roush; niece, Zoë Roush; nephew, Markell Smith, and aunt, Mary Jane Williams. Standing by Richie's side was his best friend, Paige Warren. More than a sister or a caregiver, Paige’s love and devotion created a bond that will never be forgotten.

Richie loved music and particularly enjoyed attending Sunday Church and Cowboy Church during the summer months. Typically, Rich would find himself on stage either dancing or singing or leading the group to a song of Happy Birthday (to himself, of course)! Members of his church and the greater community remember the joy he brought by dancing and singing songs loud for all to hear.

If in any way Rich’s loving heart changed yours, you are invited to the Big Celebration of Life Party on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 12:00 PM at the Roseburg Event Center, 2983 W. 38th Street, Marion, IN 46953. We will celebrate the way Rich did with music and food and of course dragging candles across the cake to collect more icing to lick up. There is a Facebook page created for the wonderful memory of Richard "Richie" Roush. Use this fan page to write memories, add photos or to visit when you need the love of Richie to make you smile. Also any updates will be posted on the Richard Roush Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/739238304128492/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

One of the organizations that brought Richie great joy and a feeling of accomplishment is the Special Olympics. In lieu of flowers the family would ask you to consider volunteering or sending a donation in memory of Rich. The link is as follows:

https://support.specialolympics.org/a/give-in-your-state?ms=google-soi-national&gclid=CjwKCAiAleOeBhBdEiwAfgmXfziXirst_NvhxbUbtHu2m6VThkJmmmayWwSl_hzdE2d-Drv37RoRYxoCseQQAvD_BwE

For additional information and to view Richie’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

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