A lifetime Dodge City resident, she was a graduate of Dodge City High School, class of 1983. She was a graduate of St. Mary of the Plains College, Dodge City, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. On December 28, 1985, she married Kent Roetzer at Dodge City. He survives. She taught school for many years in Dodge City, including the 6th Grade Center, the Dodge City Junior High School, Sunnyside Elementary School, The Learning Center, where she was a reading specialist, and Central Elementary School where she taught 3rd grade. She was also a recipient of the ESL endorsement. She was also co-owner of Overhead Door / A-1 Glass Company in Dodge City. She was an avid reader, and loved reading in her spare time.
She was a member of Wilroads Gardens Christian Church, Dodge City, NEA, KNEA, Dodge City NEA, and Delta Kappa Gamma.
Survivors include her husband, Kent Roetzer of Dodge City, three sons, John, Brad, and Trey Roetzer all of the home, her parents, Bob and Loeta Thomas, of Dodge City, two brothers, Kenny Thomas and wife Donna of Dodge City, Gary Thomas and wife Gina of Wichita, 6 nieces and nephews, as well as many friends, students, and colleagues.
Funeral services will be held at Wilroads Gardens Christian Church on Friday, July 6, 2007 at 2:00 PM with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City, KS. The family suggests memorials to Central School Lighting Project, in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 6th Avenue, Dodge City, Kansas, 67801.Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Thursday, July 5, 2007 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM