PATSY ROACH

SAN ANGELO - Patti Roach, Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Teacher and friend, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Monday, May 4, 2009, at the age of 80. Patti was born to Ross and Marguerite Orenduff in Sherman, Texas, on Jan. 15, 1929. Patti was raised in McKinney, Texas, were she graduated from McKinney High School and was Drum Major for three years. She graduated from Texas Christian University in 1951. Following her graduation, she went to Dexter, N.M., to teach and met Hank Roach, who swept her off of her feet and became the love of her life. After a lengthy two week courtship, they were married, and some said it would never last. They were together for 58 years. Patti and Hank lived in Amarillo, Lubbock, and Big Spring, and finally moved to San Angelo in 1958. Patti taught at Rio Vista Elementary and then taught senior English at San Angelo Central High School for 29 years. In 1988 Patti received the Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teachers from the Ex-Students' Association and the College of Education of the University of Texas. Teaching was her passion. Patti developed many long lasting relationships with teachers and students alike. She was a fervent Bobcat fan and had many fond memories at San Angelo Central High School. Many of her ex-students became teachers, doctors, lawyers, professors, military officers, nurses, artists, authors, and more importantly, good friends. Patti is survived by her husband, Henry C. Roach; son Dusty Roach and wife Barbie of Midland, Texas; daughter Tudi Wilson and husband Rick of Los Angeles, Calif.; four grandchildren, Sommer Ahrens and husband, Mike of Brady, Texas, Amy Wilder and husband Ray of Fort Lewis, Wash., Ross Roach of Midland and Cooper Wilson of Los Angeles; and six great-grandchildren, Bailey, Coletin, Logan, Emily, Cadence and Dylan. Patti was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Ross Orenduff Jr. A celebration of Patti's life will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at First Christian Church of San Angelo where Patti was a member for over 40 years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of San Angelo.

June 19, 2009
Craig Torrence
Patty was the best teacher and best friend to all the class of 67 - she was with us all the way to state! So full of fun and life what a great Lady. God bless her and all her family !

May 11, 2009
Donna
I always refer to Patti as my second Mom. We share a love of shoes and Tudi, not in that order. Our running joke was my first visit to San Angelo when no one met me at the airport. Dusty and his friend caught an Armadillo for me so I could see one and gave me a Chromrine belt and I was an honorary Texan. Patti and Hank came to see me when I performed around the country and I got to see them when they would visit Tudi in NYC before she became an LA gal. She even said she liked the hats I made to go with the bridesmaids dresses for her dear Tudi's wedding. Loving, generous she is one of a kind and I can't wait to see her again in Heaven.

May 11, 2009
Janice Johnston Williston
To Tudi and Dusty: Your mom was the best! I remember spending many week-ends as your house because your mom was the

May 11, 2009
Peggy O Winkler
Patti is one of those people I have ALWAYS felt deeply connected to, even when I hadn't seen her in person for many years. I love Patti very much, and in more ways and for more reasons than I could even begin to go into right here. All I know is that if she happens to be looking over my shoulder right now she's shaking her head and saying, among other things, that nothing is ever

May 10, 2009
may helen courtion
what a wonderful lady mrs. roach was. my deepest sympathy goes to her family and friends i had the privilege of having mrs. roach my senior year at central class of 74. she helped me through my hard time of losing my mom to cancer. she keep me focus on the good things in life and guided through the tough times. she was one of those teachers that you thank the lord that you had her and would always remember. i know she touch so many life's in her career as a teacher and a friend. heaven is a better place with having mrs. roach there.may God bless your family in this time of need may helen courtion

May 10, 2009
Peggy Roach
Patti was such an inspiration, to not only to me, but also to many of my friends, who I talked to often about Patti. They all felt like they knew her. I will miss her so much! I can hear her now telling me my first sentence was way too long! Ha! She was the strongest and bravest cancer patient I have ever known. I also know that she didn't travel that illness alone without you Hank. She couldn't have done it without you! Tudi and Dusty, she loved you more than you will ever know and I know how sad this first Mother's Day must be for you. I love you all!! Love Peg

May 9, 2009
The Gill Family
The Roaches have been very dear friends to our family and their loss is felt by all of us as well. She was an inspiration to everyone she met and had an infectious sense of humor.

May 9, 2009
Richard Jackson
Tudi, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing away. Dick Jackson

May 9, 2009
Mrs. Bernie Guebara
I am so sorry for your loss. My husband was in her English class when he was senior. For practical purposes, everyone had given up on him. Mrs. Roach was the only teacher to inspire him to do what no one else thought he could do. Even to this day, my husband remembers her fondly and tells me that no one cared like she did! We know that she truly was a hero! Mrs. Bernie Guebara

May 9, 2009
David Thomas
I was lucky enough to have Patti as a teacher both my junior and senior years and my senior year, I was her teacher's aide. She was the only teacher that actually prepared me for college. She made me want to learn and if I didn't get an A on one of her tests, I felt that I had let HER down. She helped me through those

May 8, 2009
Amalia Mendez-Flanary
To the family of Mrs. Roach, I am sorry to hear of her lost.I was in Mrs. Roach's class and enjoyed going to class. She was a great teacher, she showed she cared for every student.May God give you peace and comfort in this times. Amalia, Sr.82

May 8, 2009
Marlene
Mrs. Roach was one of my favorite teachers. I loved English. She could relate to the students. I admired her so much. I was very fortunate to have had her for Senior English. Marlene Dodson Hooper SACHS Class of '68

May 8, 2009
Lana (Tingle) Kehr
My heart goes out to the Roach family. I was a student of Mrs. Roach at Central High School during my Sr year 1983-1984. She was a wonderful teacher, a little tough at the time, but reflecting back I can see the reason she was that way was because she loved her students and wanted them all to learn and do their best. I appreciate that quality in Mrs. Roach and I am positive hundreds if not thousands of other students feel the same way about her. She will be remembered always as a woman with a beautiful smile on her face. I hope that her family will be comforted by the resurrection hope that Jehovah God promises at John chapter 5, verses 28 and 29.

May 8, 2009
Rick
I never thought I would like or even love the subject of English at Central in 1971 but this fine lady taught me to love it and use it correctly every day. I still have the notes I took in her class and used them frequently when wanting to write correctly. I still cringe today when I see writing done improperly the way she taught us not to do. My respects to her and the family and all those who knew Mrs. Roach.

May 7, 2009
Marty Parker
I love you, Patti, and I'll miss you. You're a fine lady and an even finer friend.