OBIT: Sheldon "Toots" ROWSER, 2007, Hooversville, Somerset County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Meyersdale Library Transcribed and proofread by Barry and Betty Christy. jhurl@meyersdalelibrary.org Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ ----------------------------------------------- ROWSER, Sheldon (Toots) 05/16/07 Daily American Sheldon "Toots" Rowser, 85, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2007. He was born April 27, 1922, in Hooversville, son of Myrtle Irene (Brown) and George Washington Rowser. He is preceded in death by parents; wife, the former Elvie Ott; half brothers: Charlie, Bill, Howard, Kenneth, Earnest, and Clyde "Buck" Peterman; half sisters: Frieda and Ivy Peterman; and grandson, Gerry Rowser. He is survived by daughter: Sherry and her husband, Rick Hause, Hooversville; son: Sheldon and his wife, Beverly (McClucas) Rowser, Beulaville, N.C.; grandchildren: Jamie and his wife, Jamey (Schroll) Hause, Jodi Hause, Sheldon Lee Rowser, Shon Rowser and Jennifer Hause; and great-grand- daughter, Savannah Kennedy- Rowser. He grew up in Hooversville and worked in the Baker-Whitely Coal Mine. In 1943, he volunteered to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and was a Corporal with the 5th Division Artillery. He proudly and heroically served his country, fighting in the Pacific including the Battle of Iwo Jima. When he returned from the service, he met and eventually married his long-time sweetheart, Elvie Mae Ott, on July 3, 1953. They had two children, Sherry Lynn and Sheldon George. He and Elvie owned and operated the Grand Central Hotel in Hooversville for 27 years. Sheldon was an outgoing, extremely sociable and generous man his whole life. He was a talker, and he always made sure that his guests never left with an empty stomach. His friendships were life-long and too many to count. He had a unique ability to relate to both young and old alike. His family and friends held the dearest places in his heart. In his younger years, he was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing trips. Sheldon was known for being a good cook and was a master at the game of pinochle. A member of the VFW in Hooversville and served as the Commander from 1966 to 1967. He was a member of the Bedford Moose Lodge, American Legion, Stoystown, Sons of Italy and various sportsmen's clubs. Sheldon was a proud Democrat. He was a member of the Hooversville Historical Society and Trinity Lutheran Church of Hooversville. Though he has had some health problems that affected his mobility, the clarity and sharpness of his mind never wavered and he never lost his zest for life. He was well known for his ability to recall stories that nearly everyone else had forgotten and he told them with such great detail and energy that anyone who listened could not help but to be captivated. In the last few months, Sheldon seemed content and optimistic and was greatly looking forward to warm summer days spent on his front porch with family and friends. Despite his age, his loss was unexpected and profound. He was dearly loved and will be dearly missed by all whose hearts he touched. Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Deaner Funeral Home, Hooversville. Viewing from noon until service at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hooversville. The Rev. Krista Vingelis officiating. Interment P.O.S. of A. Cemetery, Hooversville.