Betty Lou (White) Roach, 86, passed away on September 27, 2018, surrounded by her family at Our House Assisted Living in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Betty was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on February 4, 1932, the daughter of William F. and Mary L. (Miles) White. She graduated from St. Patrick High School, where she met the love of her life, Robert N. (Bob) Roach. They were united in marriage at St. Patrick Church in Eau Claire on June 14, 1952. Betty was a devoted mother to her eight children, a grandmother to 21, and a great grandmother to 21 for whom Betty was affectionately called Betty the Great. Betty raised her family in the Town of Union where she was actively involved in 4-H, Westgate Sportsman Club, and other township activities. Once her children were older, Betty began a career outside the home, working for Stucky Chiropractic, Bob's Stop and Shop, and Community State (M&I) Bank. Upon retirement, Betty and Bob moved to their beloved home on Pulaski Lake in Bruce, Wisconsin. There, Bob and Betty spent their days playing cards, listening to loons, laughing with friends and family, and watching the sunset over the lake. After Bob's passing in 2000, she moved back to Eau Claire and filled her days with family, friends, and volunteering at L.E. Philips Senior Center where, among other things, she served on the board of directors and coordinated field trips for fellow members. Betty's deep faith was a constant in her life and she expressed this in her dedication to her church, St. James the Greater. There she served as a member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women, CCD coordinator, and choir member. She also had a reputation for lending a hand with her fellow parishioners and volunteering at many church events. Betty was a proud member of the Roach Clan, as well as an ambassador who welcomed many honorary members in as well. Newly introduced family friends were greeted with a hug and an open invitation to come back anytime. Her extended network of family and people-who-might-as-well-be-family will remember her as a warm, generous, funny, and witty woman who loved gathering everyone together for good food, live Irish music, loud conversation, and long goodbyes. Those she loved could always find a place to stay, a homemade meal (or later in life, a delivered pizza), and an invitation to sit down on the couch to relax and watch a Hallmark Movie or anything on the Game Show Network. Her family was the cornerstone of her life and those who survive her are forever grateful to have been born into a family with her as their matriarch. Those who knew her, loved her. Her infectious laugh, strong opinions, deep loyalty, and beaming "Oh hi honey!" will be so missed. But with this earthly loss we know she is relieved to be reunited with Bob after all these years apart. Betty is survived by her 8 children and their spouses: Tony (Brenda) Roach, Mark Roach, Pat (Sue) Roach, Chuck (Jane) Roach, Jim (Sharon) Roach, Ann (Tom) Provos, Jack Roach, and Joan (Doug) Feck; 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her great love and husband, Bob Roach; grandson Joe Roach; granddaughter Andrea Roach; parents, William F. and Mary L. (Miles) White; brothers, Norman White and William White; and sisters, Alice Bliss and Joan Newton. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30am Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire with Father Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be held in the gathering room beginning at 10:30am. Visitation will also be from 4pm to 7pm on Monday, October 1, 2018, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Avenue. The Rosary will be said at approximately 6:30pm. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Service Information

Cemetery

Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery

Visitation

Monday, October 1 2018 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home 814 First Ave Eau Claire WI 54703

Visitation

Tuesday, October 2 2018 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass

Tuesday, October 2 2018 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

St. James the Greater Catholic Church 2502 11th Street Eau Claire WI 54703