Grace Roggeman Carter

May 19, 1926 - Oct. 24, 2012
OSCEOLA - Surrounded by love and prayers, on October 24 Grace Roggeman Carter entered into heaven and the waiting embrace of her husband George. Grace was born May 19, 1926, in Mishawaka, to William and Clara Fetters Roggeman. While an outstanding member of the Mishawaka High School Class of 1944, she met the love of her life, George Carter. They married on July 4, 1945, and remained sweethearts until his death on November 1, 2010. Grace was preceded in death by her sister, Rose Mary Coppens Jackson, and her brother, William Roggeman. Always a Mishawaka girl at heart, George and Grace moved to Osceola in 1949, where they raised their four daughters. As charter members of Queen of Peace, they worked tirelessly to build the parish, forming lifelong friendships in the process. Grace was employed at Ball Band, Robert Hall Clothes, and for more than three decades as a seamstress in the Elkhart drapery industry, retiring at the age of 78 to care for George. She always made it clear that her most cherished career was as wife and mother. One of her greatest talents was her ability to "stretch" whatever she had so there was always enough - food, money, time, love - for whoever we brought home. We could always count on her to be there with whatever we needed: a crazy costume, hug, wise counsel, prayers, or just to listen without judging. Grace seldom received the accolades and awards she deserved, but her influence will span generations. Her selflessness is legendary. She showed that no kindness is ever wasted. She taught that family is flexible, and easily expands to include those related only by love. Her self-discipline and strength of character taught that we can do whatever we have to do - just put one foot in front of the other. From her we learned that having fun is more important than looking dignified; any job is easier with laughter; prayer makes all things possible. Most important, she was a woman of profound faith, who found more comfort in the Rosary than any medicine. Grace - was any woman more aptly named! She is survived by her brother, Thomas Roggeman of Granger; and her daughters, Georgia Sue (Ronald Sr.) Boling of Osceola, Terri (Robert) Stahl of Mishawaka, Bonni (Al) Menting of South Bend, and Kelli (Michael) Hoffman of Indianapolis. She was most beloved grandmother to Ron (Jeanne) Jr., Chris, and George Boling, Mary (Ryan) Wood, Sarah (Michael) Van Horn, Jill (Hank) Pucher, Alissa (Erin Gifford) Stahl, Josh, James, Janet and Melissa Menting, Michael, Maggie, Mary Grace, Bill and Joe Hoffman. She was GG to great-grandchildren, David, Danielle, Preston and Grant Boling, Abigail and Sarah Grace Wood, Andrew, Gabriel and Amber Fox. Visitation is today from 4-7 at Bubb Funeral Chapel in Mishawaka, with the Rosary at 4. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Monday at 10:30, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. The family extends our gratitude to Sunset House and the Center for Hospice Care. Memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Peace Church and to the Center for Hospice Care.