Roma Kroll

It is easy to write one's own obituary because you know that everything will be true unless someone slipped something in after you're gone!

I was born December 21, 1944 in Sioux City Iowa; December 21, hmmm-perhaps that is why I have always disliked winter, the shortest day of the year, the longest night of the year & the first day of winter!!

But when April and May roll around it certainly makes up for it!

I grew up on a farm until I was 13 years old - those were some of the best days of my life as I learned so much about nature and especially animals; we had a wide variety of animals, in fact that is where my love for them came from - perhaps the reason I love them so much is the only time they have broken my heart is when theirs stop beating.

l began my banking career when I graduated from high school and worked more than 50 years in the industry before retiring in 2013 from Central Bank in Sioux City as a vice president of private banking. During this time, I spent one year as president of the National Association of Women for the state of Iowa.

I spent many years on the Siouxland Humane Society board of directors serving as both president and treasurer for several terms; this was a very worthwhile volunteerism as the Humane Society has come so far in the last several years and saved countless animals.

I want to say a special thank you to Dr. Alhadad and Kelsey at Mission Cancer and Blood and also Dr. Adam Gliniewicz and Kelly at Des Moines Radiology Oncology for all of your help throughout the past few years - you have made this journey more tolerable and your concern has always been appreciated.

I have been preceded in death by George "Porrage" Koetters (husband), parents Ben and Helen Kroll, brothers Gary and Dennis, and Cindy my sister. There are more dogs and cats than I dare to even try to list.

To all of you above I know you felt my love.

Lastly to my family that I leave there are no words that I can say to any of you about how much you mean to me, I know this has been a rough few years for you and all of your help, love, consideration & time was so appreciated. God blessed me when he gave me all of you - you each have a special place in my heart. Troy I could not have raised a better son and you have turned out to be a very special man. I know God will watch out for you. Cindy you have become the daughter I never had and thank you for all you have done in so many different ways. Paige you're my little redheaded fire cracker and I know that we have butted heads sometimes, but that's because we have a tendency to both be right all the time; I love you in a special way. Grace, you have a heart of gold and you have been there for me through so many times, I couldn't have done this without you. Always stay true to yourself - you are my beautiful butterfly!! And Jaker what do I say to you? I know everyone thinks you're my favorite but there's no way that could be possible is there? From our J&G business, reverse/reverse, to our mini deep talks I love you very much!!! Keep that level head & overall quest to keep learning and you will accomplish your goals!!

I love you all and you know that so lastly I will say to please be kind to each other and especially to the animals as they have no one to look out for them -they depend on us to be their voices - the love that you receive in return from them is more than worth it.

And to Chester and Butcher, thank you for sharing many happy years of your lives with me and know that I will carry you with me till I see you again.