Zola B. Roeber

Zola Beth Roeber, 99, of Pigeon, died Saturday, December 7, 2019 at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi.

Zola was born May 8, 1920 in Fairhaven Twp to the late Perry and Elizabeth (Avery) Dutcher. She graduated from Bay Port High School and then received her teaching degree from Central Michigan University. She married Arthur W. Roeber on March 31, 1944 at Pigeon River Mennonite Church; he preceded her in death December 12, 2009.

She had a 37 year elementary teaching career that began when she was 19 years old. She taught at Decker School, Winsor School, Michigan Mennonite School, Ridge School and retired from Sebewaing School. It was a joy for her to see her former students. She was an active longtime member of Pigeon River Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School. She was president of the Ladies Sewing Circle for many years where she made countless comforter tops. Her hobbies included gardening, flowers, playing sudoku, crossword puzzles and traveling.

She is survived by her daughter Marie of Brandon, Mississippi; many nieces and nephews; and many Michigan and Mississippi friends, some of whom considered her a grandmother. She was preceded in death by brothers Frank and Ronald Dutcher and sisters Lawanda Gnagey and Jewel Swartzendruber.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Friday at Pigeon River Mennonite Church with Rev. Dave Maurer officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-7 Thursday at the Church. Champagne Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Pigeon River Mennonite Ladies Sewing Circle or the charity of the donor’s choice.