Delores “Dolly” M. “Dee” Rouse-Huth is with her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Rouse Demetre, on the left, and daughters, Robyn Kleinhans and Raina Palombi, in 2016. Photo courtesy of Raina Palombi

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Simply “Dee” lightful. 

Delores “Dolly” M. “Dee” Rouse-Huth might have been flattered by the reference to the famous Cole Porter tune to describe the remarkable life she lived.

In personal remembrances, Rouse-Huth is described with love and fondness by her children and surviving spouse Mel Huth, as a devoted wife, a “soulmate,” a wonderful mother, grandmother and a pioneering entrepreneur in the field of jewelry appraisal, who created an internationally recognized master value (MV) program. That program is still widely used today.

She died last Aug. 14.

To her three surviving children, Robyn Kleinhans, Raina Palombi and Ryan Rouse and Cheryl Rouse Demetre, widow of Rip Rouse, Rouse-Huth’s deceased son, all affectionately remember Rouse-Huth as “a force of nature, full of love, laughter and generosity.”

“I miss my very best friend. We enjoyed quite a life together and I feel her with me every day,” said Huth, her husband. “She was an absolute joy to be with.”

Delores “Dolly” M. “Dee” Rouse-Huth and her husband, Mel Huth are at a family holiday gathering in fall 2015.

Rouse-Huth’s love for her family was immense and she found her greatest joy as a grandmother, where she was affectionately known as “Gramma Dee,” “Dolly” or “Grandma Barbie.” She cherished her 11 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and so many others she embraced as family.

“My mom had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in everyone around her,” said her daughter, Raina Palombi. “She had a relentless, passionate energy for living.”

Faith, joy, love and purpose were qualities that helped her mother live her life to the fullest, Palombi said.

One of Rouse-Huth’s granddaughters described “Gramma Dee” in her eulogy this way: “Grandma’s house was a special place because she made it that way, she welcomed us with open arms and loved us unconditionally, and where she made her home a safe space for everyone. For that, I am so very grateful.”

“It was always a comforting house where world of make believe could come to life,” she continued.

In her eulogy the granddaughter fondly remembered “hundreds of sleepovers, and so many birthdays celebrated, where lasting, cherished family memories were made.”

Rouse-Huth’s leadership in the community also extended to her service as the first woman president of both the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.

Delores “Dolly” M. “Dee” Rouse-Huth is shown with all five of her grandsons. From left are Kole, Andrew, Tyler, Jason, Charles and Rouse-Huth. Photo courtesy of Raina Palombi

Born in Hannaford, North Dakota, on Oct. 9, 1936, the eldest of 10 children, Rouse-Huth was a natural leader who inspired those around her from an early age. Rouse-Huth’s strong work ethic was evident from her youth, earning her an honors scholarship to Western Montana College of Education in Dillon.

In 1956, she married Donald Rouse, and together they moved between Anaconda, Montana and various cities in Idaho and Utah, chasing their dreams and building a future. 

Rouse-Huth held leadership positions throughout her career, including deputy county treasurer in Anaconda, Montana. She also achieved professional success in sales for several large jewelry companies.

She and Rouse’s adventurous spirit led them to manage a property in Nevada, where Rouse-Huth honed her skills as an independent business owner. She bought and sold land and raw materials for fine jewelry, all while hosting events for local families and children. The couple later settled in Sacramento.

Here, Rouse-Huth opened several businesses, including D’s Jewelry Supply in Carmichael and Nighthorse Studios in Old Sacramento. 

After separating from Rouse in 1976, Rouse-Huth met U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mel Huth at the Officer’s Club at the former Presidio of San Francisco in 1987. The two married in 1990. 

Rouse-Huth then purchased Bramble’s Fine Jewelry and the couple opened the Arden Town Mail & Business Center together.

Rouse-Huth and Huth owned the California Institute of Jewelry Training (CIJT) in Fair Oaks, until their retirement, which trained more than 3,500 students from across the globe in jewelry design, manufacture and repair before retiring and shifting to an online certification.

Rouse-Huth created one of the first in the industry’s gem and jewelry appraising home study courses. Her work grew to include a substantial amount of global travel, helping to establish jewelry trade schools and offering Master Valuer (MV) workshops in multiple countries.

Samantha Palombi, and her grandmother, “Dee” Rouse-Huth, share some smiles in 2020.

This comprehensive appraisal program which Rouse-Huth created includes learning appraisal methodology for writing appraisals of all types: insurance, estate, donation and probate. Huth said he remains busy evaluating the work of students now enrolled in the course.

The course is recognized by leading gem and jewelry organizations, including the American Society of Appraisers and the International Society of Appraisers which give professional development (re-certification) credits to their members who take the program.

“She was an exceptional teacher,” Huth said.

Huth said his late wife’s memory will continue to be felt in the many lives in the greater Carmichael community whom they have met and professionally mentored.

Rouse-Huth is survived by her loving husband, Huth; her children, Robyn Kleinhans (Steven), Raina Palombi (Michael), Ryan Rouse (Cara), and Cheryl Demetre (Greg); her grandchildren, Hailey Kleinhans (Bryan), Kole Kleinhans (Jessica), Jennifer Spinner (Brandon), Tyler Rouse (Kayla), Jason Rouse (Kamryn), Charles Palombi (Kyra), Andrew Palombi, Samantha Palombi, Claire Rouse, Anna Rouse, Grace Rouse; her great-grandchildren, Jack Spinner, Cole Spinner, Maya Rouse, Roman Rouse, Liam Zablotny, Waylon Kleinhans, and Kayce Rouse; and her siblings, Lorraine Martin (George), Richard Ohman (Brenda), and Sandi Duncan (David). 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Myrtle Ohman; her brothers, Vernon, David and Don Ohman; her sisters, Myrna Shockley, Karen Schorzman and Nancy Morrison; her first husband, Donald Rouse; and her beloved eldest son, Ripley Rouse.

A memorial service was held Sept. 27, 2024, at Carmichael Presbyterian Church.