Karon Faye Smith Roach

Karon Faye Smith Roach, 62, passed away at her farm in Longville, LA on Monday, September 6, 2010, surrounded by angels and family.

Mrs. Roach was born August 27, 1948 in Geary, OK, and she was raised on a farm near Greenfield, OK. A 1966 graduate of Watonga High School, she also graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in three years with a Bachelors of Art degree in Elementary Education and in 2002 she received her Masters +30 from McNeese State University. In 1969, she moved to Elgin, OK and began her forty year career teaching Kindergarten. She soon after met Allan Roach while he was stationed at Fort Sill in Lawton, OK and they were married in 1971. Her husband's military career led her to teach in Hohenfels, Germany, Flensburg, Germany, Prunedale, CA, Miami, FL, Washington, DC, and finally at Fairview Elementary in Lake Charles, where she worked for the last twenty years. Mrs. Roach was a Twelfth Night Reveler and loved Mardi Gras. Although she was an Okie, she always enjoyed southern cuisine. She was known as an angel by many, always smiling and friendly; she was always willing to help others. Karon collected ladybugs, but will always be remembered as a wonderful teacher.

Mrs. Roach is survived by her husband of thirty-nine years, Col. Allan Roach; sons, Michael Glen Roach and Matthew Wayne Roach and wife Christina; siblings, Maxine Robinette of Lovington, NM, Juanita Daniel of Woodward, OK, Bill Smith of Eastland, TX, Pauline Johannes of Lawton, OK, and Sharon Cunningham of Collinsville, OK; grandchildren, Victoria Roach, Channing Roach, Alex Roach, Samantha Roach, Christopher Roach, Tyson Roach, Patience Roach, Laila Roach, Gabrielle Myers, and Dominic Myers; and good friends, Roxann Clark, Lee English, and Cheryl Kibideaux; along with numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandchild, Connor Roach; parents, Clyde and Blanche Smith; and brother, Marvin Smith.

Her memorial service will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. James Rivers will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.