Mary Frances Roark

Mary Frances Roark, age 94, passed away October 18, 2025 in Katy, Texas. A long-time resident of Las Cruces, NM, she moved to Katy in 2012 to be closer to family. She was born in Las Cruces to Leander J and Lucille M. Vercher on September 4, 1931. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul Vercher.

Mary graduated from Las Cruces Union High School in 1949 and from New Mexico A & M University in 1953 with a degree in education. She taught in the Las Cruces Public School system until 1958. In 1953 she married Billy Duane Roark and they enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage until Bill's passing in 2008.

Mary is survived by two sons, Dana Roark (wife Diane) of Katy and Cory Roark (wife Casey) of Sand Springs, OK. She is survived by her grandchildren Heidi Roark, Curtis Roark (wife Kelsey) Eric Roark, Kelsey McDonald (husband Justin), and Morgan Roark. Grandson Zachary Anderson preceded her in death.

Great grandchildren include Makenzie, Alexis and Trenton Knapp, Eleanor McDonald and Michael McDonald, Mason Fry, Autumn Still and Sofie Rodgers.

Mary was active in the family business (Roark Chevrolet / Oldsmobile) in Las Cruces for a number of years and was most recently a member of the First Baptist Church of Las Cruces, and Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy. She was a born-again believer and involved herself in a number of ministry opportunities at both churches.

Funeral service will be held Nov 11 in Las Cruces at the Rio Grande Winery, 5321 N. Hwy 28, at 10:30 with Pastor Gary McMillan officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Las Cruces.