| Graduation Year | Class of 1934 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 04, 2012 |
| About | Mary "Kathryn" Busard Roller, born May 30, 1916 in Rushville, Indiana to Otto F. and Hazel (Moore) Busard, died July 4 in her home in Rushville with all of her children in attendance. She is survived by Brother Otto (Patricia) Busard; Daughters Rebecca (Larry) Hatfield, Elizabeth (Philip) Smith, Nancy Cooper and Son George (Mary) Roller; Grandchildren Christina (John) Campins-Schneider, Scott (Heather) Hatfield, Kathryn Lumpkin, Collin Cooper, Jon Cooper, Heather Hatfield (David) Lynn, Sam Roller, Emma Roller and Gwenith Smith. Great-grandchildren Isabella Campins, Quinton Hatfield, Sophia Schneider, Amelia Schneider and Haley Cooper. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Budge S. Roller, and Sisters Helen McKee Newbold and Virginia Webb. Kathryn was a life-long member of St. Paul's Methodist Church and served in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Bible Study and the church museum. Among her civic and cultural contributions, she served as a treasurer for the Rush County Historical Society and was President of Kappa Kappa Kappa (Tri Kappa) Service Sorority. She was a member of Rush County Heritage, a volunteer and the Rush County Historical Museum, worked at the food pantry, and helped the campaigns of political candidates. Kathryn attended Purdue University in after graduation from Rushville High School and joined Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was a 75-year active member of the local alumni club. She also attended the University of Nebraska. With her husband, Budge Roller, Kathryn worked at the Home Lumber Company and the Rushville License Branch. She became Rush County Auditor after the death of Budge and retired in 1988. Throughout her life Kathryn was interested in challenging herself. She took up competitive walking in her 70's and 80's and often won ribbons for her age group. Walking around town with her dog, Polly, (a Miniature Schnauzer) she became a familiar sight. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener taking pride in her crops and especially her daffodils. She sewed and knitted beautifully. In her 90's she took up shell collecting in Captiva, Florida and created beautiful shell wreaths and bracelets that she gave as gifts. Her bright mind and ability to remember numbers helped her to be a skillful Bridge player. Kathryn loved to swim and adored all young children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who called her "Jaja". Her dog Polly 3 was a devoted companion and great friend. Few people can boast of having as many deep and lasting friendship as she had in her life – a testament to her giving and caring nature. Visitation is planned for Saturday, July 7th at 1 PM with a Memorial Service following at 2 PM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. |
