Berneice Roller 1936-2021
Berneice Fae Roller, 84, entered the arms of her Savior on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at home, surrounded by her husband and children.
She was born April 5, 1936, to Arthur and Helen (Humphry) Deeter in Holton.
Berneice married Dale E. Roller on Aug. 18, 1957, at First Christian Church in Holton.
She graduated from Holton High School in 1954 and attended Phillips University, Enid, Okla., and finished her early education degree at Emporia State University.
She worked as a kindergarten teacher at Simms Elementary, Wichita, in 1956-1957. In 1968 she started Jack and Jill Preschool in her home in Leavenworth and moved it to First Christian Church, Leavenworth, where it is 53 years old this year. She retired from Jack and Jill in 1988 and started “Gramma’s Angels Daycare” in her home, where she cared for more than 50 babies ages 2 and under, including her granddaughters. She retired in 1998.
Bernie had a true love of children. Her legacy will live on through the thousands of children that she touched with her love. She loved them all more.
Most importantly, she was a woman of strong faith in Jesus. She truly embodied the fruits of the Spirit… She was love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Bernie was a member of First United Methodist Church, Leavenworth. She was a Girl Scout leader, a member of the PEO and a volunteer at the Heritage Center, Leavenworth, and the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Leavenworth. She enjoyed cross-stitching, quilting and loving on her grandchildren.
Bernie is survived by her husband, Dale Roller, Leavenworth; two sons, Tim (Becky) Roller, Anderson, S.C., and Jay (Barb) Roller, Leavenworth; a daughter, Jennifer (Nick) Keller, Home; grandchildren, Ashley and Megan Roller, Leavenworth, Brooke (Chase) Davis, Little Elm, Texas, Anna Roller, Colorado Springs, Colo., Donald (Toni) Roller, Anderson, S.C., Brendan (Mackenzie) Keller, Minot, N.D., and Victoria, Myah, Cathryn, Wyatt, Jett and Blakely Keller, Home; and three great-grandchildren, Evaley and Amzie Davis, Little Elm, Texas, and Wilder Lathan, Colorado Springs, Colo.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Humphry Deeter; her parents, Arthur and Claridel Deeter; her sisters, Marilyn Helms and Beatrice Dewell; her brothers, Allen and Jack Deeter; and a nephew, Brett Dewell.
A big thank you from the family to Faith Hospice, Gladstone, Mo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Jack and Jill Preschool, Leavenworth; the CW Parker Carousel Museum, Leavenworth; or the Heritage Center, Leavenworth.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 3 at First United Methodist Church, Leavenworth. A private family burial will take place in Holton Cemetery.
(PAID OBITUARY)
