Mary Edine Roll

Mary Edine Roll, 90, passed away on March February 10, 2026, surrounded by her family. Mary was born in Montgomery County, Iowa, to Floyd and Mary Fast on January 21, 1936. She had 6 older siblings (Juanita, Clark, Orville, Wayne, Janice and Joan). She grew up on a bustling farm near Morton Mills, Iowa until her high school years, when her family moved to Villisca, Iowa. She enjoyed playing basketball in those high school years which likely began her love of sports.

Following graduation from Villisca High School in 1953, Mary attended the Northwest, Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri and began pursuing her bachelor's degree in teaching as a first-generation student. In December of 1954, she married Mons Richard Roll, the love of her life (husband of 68 years). In 1955, Mary and Mons moved to Jacksonville, Florida where Mons was an active-duty Navy pilot. Mary shared many stories of her move to Florida and the blossoming friendships of Navy wives that formed a community while their husbands were stationed in various locations during the Korean War. Following her husband's completion of active duty, Mary and Mons finished their degrees at Northwest Missouri State College.

In 1958, Mary and her husband Mons settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she was employed as an elementary teacher for 25 years in District # 11. Mary taught kindergarten and first grade at variety of elementary schools including Bates, Mark Twain, and Patrick Henry. Mary had a true love for early education. She became a teaching mentor to many. Her love for children also translated into being the world's best grandmother to six grandchildren. She was deeply devoted to her family and faith and was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Mary was a warm and caring person to extended family and to many lifelong friends. She had a contagious smile and laugh and was a joyful and optimistic person and was accepting of all. She found value in the beauty of living in Colorado and became a skier, cyclist, hiker and golfer. Her love for the outdoors was passed along to her children. In Mary's golden years, she volunteered extensively and she and her husband traveled to many places such as Panama, Costa Rica, Australia, Europe and many other destinations.

Mary is survived by one sibling: Joan Watts; her three children; David (Cathy) Roll of Englewood, CO, Bruce (Kimber) Roll of Beaverton, OR and Marla Roll of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren: Mons, Esther, Malia, Christine, Grace, and Hans as well as nephews, and nieces. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life and reception which will be held on April 4, 2026 at 1:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 420 N Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903. Memorial donations can be made to FUMC United Women of Faith, or plant a tree in Mary's memory at https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative-trees-in-memory. The service will also be streamed at https://www.fumc-cs.org/streaming . Condolences and memories can be posted and viewed by searching for Mary Roll at legacy.com