Mary Lou Roepke, of Waterville, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at age 79. She was born in Waterville on June 21, 1932 to Margaret and Victor Johnson. She graduated from Waterville High School in 1950.

A funeral service is planned for 10:30, Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waterville with burial at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville.  Viewing will be from noon to 8:00 pm, Tuesday at Terry-Christie Funeral Home in Waterville.

The late Milton H. Roepke and Mary Lou were married October 13, 1951. They were parents of Richard C. Roepke, and grandparents to Nina C. Roepke.

Mary Lou was postmistress of the Waterville Post Office for 30 years from 1967 - 1997. She was a member of the American Association of Postmasters. Upon retirement, Mary Lou increased her volunteer efforts to support the town she truly loved.  She was a recent past president of the Shakespeare Club, board member of the Waterville Public Library, involved in fundraising activities for the renovation of the Opera House and served on the Weaver Hotel renovation committee. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church was a special place for Mary Lou; she was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Ladies Aid Society, and choir member.  Mary Lou also spent 61 years as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Waterville.

The activities associated with Sorority, participating in and planning Victorian Days citywide celebrations, playing bridge, working in her yard were all activities from which Mary Lou gained much pleasure.

She was predeceased in death by her parents, husband, Milton H. Roepke, niece Sandy Schuchart Ross, brother-in-law, Jack Regnier, several brothers and sisters-in law. Mary Lou is survived by her son, Richard and wife Sidonie, granddaughter Nina of Rochester, NY, sister, Marge Regnier of Marion, KS and sister and brother-in- law Dorothy and John Schuchart of Waterville, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great-niece and nephew.

Mary Lou took great pride in her hometown of Waterville. Memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or for the preservation of the Opera House.  Memorials may be sent to Terry-Christie Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

Submit an Online Condolence