Former Talkeetna resident Mary Roach dies

Former Talkeetna Resident Mary L. Roach, 69, passed away at 8:45 p.m. Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Mishawaka, Ind., following a lengthy illness.

She was born Sept. 20, 1941, the daughter of Russell and Edna (Klietz) Wilson in South Bend, Ind. Mary graduated from Cassopolis Michigan High School with the Class of 1959. She married Floyd E. Roach on April 3, 1960. She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with Floyd on April 3, 2011.

Survivors members include her husband of 50-years, Floyd; her sons and their families, Jeffery A. Roach and Sherilyn of Fairbanks and their children Amber, Daniel and Victoria and Timothy R. Roach and Sharon of DeMotte, Ind. and their children Alan and Terri June; three brothers and a sister: Ralph (Dee) Wilson of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Richard (Kay) Wilson of Cassopolis, Mich.; Robert (Nancy) of Cassopolis, Mich.; and Sue Ann Edwards of Arcola, Ill., and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker who had a knack for baking bread and creating beautiful items with a needle and yarn. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She was a member of New Song Assembly of God Church in Plymouth, Ind. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Edna Wilson; a son, Floyd E. Roach, Jr.; and her brother, Russell A. Wilson, Jr. Friends and family gathered at Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth, Ind. to lay Mary to rest next to her paternal grandparents, Jesse and Lonna Wilson, with Pastor Justin Chambers officiating.

Memorial gifts may be made at http://ww5.komen.org to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.