Wilma Laverne Roach

Wilma Laverne (Pettijohn) Roach, of Indianapolis, IN passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2020 at the age of 95.
Wilma was born to parents Anna and Jesse Pettijohn on June 18, 1924 in Gosport, IN and graduated from Gosport High School in 1943, After graduation, Wilma moved to Indianapolis where she worked at Naval Ordinance, coming home to Gosport on weekends.
In February 1946, Wilma met the love of her life and on April 6, 1946, married Dorrell Chandler Roach at the Gosport Methodist Church. They spent 62 happy years together in Bloomington, Mooresville, Muncie, Evansville, & Indianapolis IN; Doylestown, PA; Cape Coral & Port Charlotte, FL. In 2008, they returned to Indianapolis so they could be “Back Home Again In Indiana”.
Wilma had a variety of interesting jobs and retired from J.C. Penney. But her favorite job was that of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Anyone who came into her home was welcomed with a smile and she made them feel like family. Though she will be missed by those who love her, we will forever remember her spirit, smile, laughter, and big heart.
Wilma is survived by her daughters Beverly Ricks (Bob) of Greensboro, GA and Susan Diatlovich (Paul) of Indianapolis, IN; son-in-law John Cleary; five grandchildren, Brendyn Cleary, Maggie Cleary, Victor Diatlovich, Jessie Ricks and Anna Diatlovich; and four great-grandchildren, Skyler Van Metre, Marley Zirkel, Seabastian Zirkel, Aurora Cleary, Maryann Molchan, and Katherine Molchan. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dorrell C. Roach; her daughter, Mary F. Cleary; and her brothers, Harold Pettijohn and Venice Pettijohn.
Services for Wilma will take place on Monday February 24, 2020 at the Gosport United Methodist Church, 119 North 7th Street, Gosport. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM with services at 11:30. This will be followed by a graveside service at Gosport Cemetery after which there will be a luncheon and celebration of Wilma’s life.