Ralph and Hazel Roush Honored by Ohio’s First Lady

On February 14, 2001, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Pamela K. Matura, recently joined Ohio’s First Lady, Hope Taft, honoring Ralph and Hazel Roush of West Union, along with other couples, at the Governor’s mansion in Columbus, Ohio. First Lady Taft said, "What a privilege it is to be recognizing these esteemed couples. May their unselfish commitment to their communities and each other be a tender teacher from which we can all learn. My heartfelt appreciation is with each and everyone of you."

Each year Hope Taft honors couples who have been married 50 or more years, have their primary residence is Ohio, and are active in community service, particularly volunteering with children or youth issues (such as education) together.

When the Area Agency on Aging District 7 submitted a nomination form to the Adams County Senior Citizens Council, their director, Donna Friend indicated they were quite excited to nominate Ralph Roush and Hazel Roush. This couple has been active in Grange Youth and 4-H, Interfaith, Historical Society, Genealogy, Sunday School, Chamber of Commerce, PTA and many various school activities. Mrs. Roush is a retired schoolteacher and Mr. Roush was a school bus driver.

Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Pamela Matura said, "What an honor to have Mr. and Mrs. Roush represent District 7 and Adams County at the "Joined Hearts in Giving" celebration."

The Area Agency on Aging District 7 administers programs for the elderly funded by the state and federal governments. The Area Agency on Aging’s district consists of the following ten counties: Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike Ross, Scioto, and Vinton.