Esther Vandever Griffith Rouse
Esther Vandever Griffith Rouse, 89, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday morning May 11, 2025.
Esther will be remembered for her generous and gentle nature, beauty and grace in all aspects of her life: devout Christian, loving wife, caring sister, nurturing and encouraging aunt, and supportive friend to everyone who knew her.
Esther was born on Oct. 8, 1935, in Crossville, Tn., to parents Edgar and Ida Vandever. After graduating from Cumberland County High School in 1955, she moved to Chattanooga, where she worked in the Business Office at Erlanger Hospital for many years.
In Chattanooga, she became a member of Ridgedale Church of Christ. There she met Gilford Griffith. They married in 1963 and made a wonderful life together until his passing in 1988.
Esther married John Rouse in 1995. Together they enjoyed travel, friends and family and remained devoted to each other until her passing.
She retired from the Electric Power Board Employees Credit Union in 2001, where she worked for 16 years. She was a longtime member of Tyner Church of Christ.
Esther is survived by her loving husband, John Rouse; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Art Lujan; son-in-law, Lynn Russell; grandchildren, Zane (Victoria), Presley, and Avery Russell; siblings, Ima Reed, Hazel Smith, Betty O’Dell (Bill), and James Vandever (Connie); her many nieces and nephews; as well as many loving neighbors and church family.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Sheila Russell and sister, Allene Simons.
A service to honor Esther will be on Monday, May 19, at 2 p.m. in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at North Chapel.
As an alternative to flowers, donations can be made to Tyner Church of Christ, 6620 Bonny Oaks Dr., Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.