Mary Lou Roach

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Lou Roach announce her passing after a brief illness at the age of 91 years.

One of eight children, Mary Lou was born March 23, 1928 to Henry H. and Mary Louisa Gerling in Pilot Grove, Missouri, where she was raised, married, made a home for her husband, raised three children, served her community and was devoted to her church.

She married Wayne T. Roach January 20, 1951 and had 53 years together when he passed away February 6, 2004. Together, they owned and operated Roach’s Standard Service Station in Pilot Grove, with Mary Lou as the bookkeeper. Mary Lou also worked as a clerk and often as Post Mistress for over 30 years in Pilot Grove as well as filling in at numerous Post Offices in surrounding towns.

Mary Lou was precise in everything she undertook. She was a hard worker, a wonderful cook, a generous, supportive and strong Mother to her three children. She loved and was very proud of them completing their education and their continued accomplishments.

She was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Mary Lou gave tirelessly to the Church with the same support, generosity and strength she gave to everything and everyone she loved.

Preceding Mary Lou in death were her parents and her husband Wayne.

Mary Lou will be lovingly remembered by her three children Vernon Roach of Overland Park, KS, Kathleen Stewart of Overland Park, KS, and Suzanne Nelson-Schien and husband Bryan Schien of Orlando, Florida. Mary Lou will also be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren Katelyn Stewart of Chicago, Illinois, Krista Stewart of Kansas City, Missouri, Trent and Brock Nelson of Orlando, Florida. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2020 with Rosary at 9:40 a.m. prior to the service; all at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pilot Grove, Missouri. Burial will immediately follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Pilot Grove. A visitation will be held at Meisenheimer Funeral Home on Sunday, January 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Memorials in honor of Mary Lou are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Foundation.

Online condolences may be submitted at mwww.meisenheimerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Meisenheimer Funeral Home, Pilot Grove, Missouri.

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Visitation will be held at Meisenheimer Funeral Home at 200 Roe St.,Pilot Grove, Missouri. Take Exit 135 - Pilot Grove\Arrow Rock 3 miles west of Booneville off I-70. Turn south. Pilot Grove is 6 miles south. Funeral Home is at 4 way stop in town. Coming from Hiway 50, take Hwy 135 east of Sedalia and west of Otterville.Go North on 135 to Pilot Grove to 4 way stop.

Rosary will begin at 9:40 a.m. prior to the service on Monday, January 6, 2020. Burial will immediately follow service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery also in Pilot Grove.