Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Linda Diane Rouches, charismatic force of nature, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and community servant, departed this world on May 15, 2025. She was surrounded by family and immersed in music as she passed. Her beloved Surprise, Arizona, and Hood River, Oregon, friends and family lifted her with their devoted support and constant contact throughout a battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia that spanned years.
Born in Albany, Oregon, on July 25, 1942, Linda enjoyed a classic, mid-20th century childhood in which she was blessed with three brothers (John, Bob and Bill) and one sister (Jennifer). Her family nucleus included many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles, but she was particularly close with her adorable cousin Jane.
After graduating from high school, Linda studied business in California. It was there that she met her future husband, Ken Ghiz. With Ken, she had three children (Julie, Amy and Tony). She thoroughly enjoyed being a housewife, cooking incredible meals, indulging her children in their various interests and engaging in her own pursuits. She excelled at everything she undertook, be it water skiing, sewing, snow skiing, painting, tennis, gardening, running, or baking. She was exceptionally gifted and she never took these things for granted.
After moving to Hood River in 1973, Linda married Phil Jensen and began to develop her business savvy, establishing Grizzly Bear and Pietro’s Pizza, and, later, Professional Business Solutions. One of her greatest loves was Riverside Community Church, a sanctuary she relished. Later in her life, she found another love in Arizona at The Church of The Palms, which she devoted much of her time helping within the congregation and the community at large.
Linda remained 29 years of age for her entire life. She also modeled, danced, took up golf and shone brightly. In later life, while still 29, Linda met and married the love of her life, George Rouches, with whom she enjoyed golf, travel and adventures too many to count. Linda appreciated George’s thoughtful, gentle soul and he was her ideal. They were radiant in their love and George’s passing from cancer was deeply felt.
Linda’s interest in community, civil service and the city of Hood River is reflected to this day in the countless friends and associates she cultivated as she performed in her role as mayor of Hood River, as a sort of general ambassador, and as a shoulder-to-lean-on no matter the day or time.
Linda remains in the hearts and souls of her children, Julia, Amy and Tony, as well as her sweet grandchildren Liz, Athena, Dylan, Elizabeth, Courtney and Allie; her darling great-grandchildren Raven, Scarlett, Raiden, Ezra and Uri; and finally, her incredible dog, Lily. Thousands of hearts are full of emotion at this beautiful woman’s passing — friends, BFFs, neighbors, pastors, relatives, comrades.
We ask that you celebrate this incredible woman in a manner that pleases you. Memorial services are arranged as follows: June 21 at 10 a.m. at The Church of The Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd., Sun City, Arizona; and for our Oregon friends and family Sept. 6 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Community Church, 317 State St., Hood River.
To plant a tree in memory of Linda Rouches as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
(0) entries
Sign the guestbook.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.