Howard W. “Bill” Roush Jr., age 90, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026.
A devoted husband, beloved father, and cherished grandfather, Bill leaves a legacy rooted in love, kindness, and a lifelong commitment to his family.
Born on July 7, 1936, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Bill was the son of Howard W. Roush Sr. and Reita (Slevin) Roush. He grew up on the family’s small farm in St. Clair Township, Ohio, and graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1954 before pursuing higher education at Kent State and John Carroll universities.
On December 28, 1957, Bill married the love of his life, Ann Marie Meek. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children and welcoming 19 grandchildren into the family that remained at the center of his heart. Their marriage spanned more than six decades, until Ann Marie’s passing on September 2, 2020.
To his family, Bill was their gentle leader. His steady presence, strength, and unwavering love were a source of comfort and guidance throughout their lives. He took immense pride in his children, celebrating their academic successes and college degrees, and found great joy in his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He believed deeply in their potential and encouraged them to meet life with dedication and a strong work ethic. Above all, he showed them the lasting value of loving and caring for one another. His greatest legacy is the family he and Ann nurtured and the values that will continue through generations.
Bill’s distinguished career with Chrysler Corporation spanned 35 years in human resources, with assignments at five manufacturing plants and in division and corporate staff positions. He retired at the end of 1991 as a senior executive and continued sharing his expertise as a consultant for more than 15 years.
Bill is survived by his five children, Howard W. Roush III, Amy Adams (Darren), Margaret Spence (Michael), Benjamin Roush (Lisa), and Valarie Kole (Max); his 19 cherished grandchildren; and his sister, Jane Pickens. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Marie; his parents; and three sisters, Frona Seitz, Patsy O’Hara, and Barbara McEldowney.
Visitation and the funeral service will both take place at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with Deacon Tom Franklin officiating. A private burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, 603 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI 48118.
