Mary Ann Roper

It is with deep love and gratitude that we share the passing of Mary Ann Roper, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who left this world peacefully after a brief illness in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Mary Ann was born in Atwood, Tennessee, one of seven siblings in a close-knit family. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister, and remained deeply connected to her surviving siblings throughout her life.

She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she graduated from Washington High School before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) from Coe College and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from North Central College. Education was always a source of pride for Mary Ann and reflected her determination and lifelong love of learning.

Her professional journey spanned more than 25 years at Quaker Oats, where she built a respected career marked by loyalty, leadership, and grace. A transfer to the company's Chicago corporate office opened new opportunities, and she retired with the admiration of her colleagues. Her field knowledge was invaluable on many important projects, including the design and implementation of the company's transportation information system. She was valued by many for her mentorship and steady presence, and her contributions left a lasting impact on both operations and culture.

Beyond her career, Mary Ann's true calling was service to others. In Cedar Rapids, she was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the YWCA, a recognition of the countless hours she devoted to community service and philanthropic efforts. Whether mentoring young women, supporting local charities, or lending a hand wherever it was needed, she gave generously of her time, energy, and heart. Her compassion and civic spirit touched lives across both Iowa and Illinois.

Those who knew Mary Ann will remember her as a woman who was refreshingly straightforward and never one to mince words. At the same time, she was deeply empathetic to people and their causes. She combined honesty with kindness, and her ability to listen, encourage, and advocate made her a trusted friend and confidante. She was also a gifted storyteller, and her family and friends cherished the way she could bring people together with her humor, her memories, and her knack for making every story feel alive.

Outside of her work and service, Mary Ann found joy in the arts. She loved books, cherished time spent with music, and especially delighted in the beauty of opera. Her appreciation for art in all its forms reflected her thoughtful spirit and her ability to find meaning and beauty in life's details.

Mary Ann's greatest joy, however, was her family. She is survived by her two sons, Greg and Kenneth; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends in Cedar Rapids and Arlington Heights. To all who knew her, she was a steady light, warm, wise, and endlessly giving.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal services. Mary Ann will be cremated, and her ashes will be spread in a field in Iowa, a place that held deep meaning for her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association in her honor.

Her life was a gift, and her legacy of kindness, strength, and service will live on in the hearts of those she touched.