April 16, 1943 – September 24, 2021
Yolanda M. Roe, 78, of Bedford, passed away Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at IU Health Methodist Hospital.
She was born April 16, 1943, in Alamosa, Colorado, to Manuelita Jaramillo and Orlando J. Gutierrez in Alamosa, Colorado. Her birth name was Ritamarie Yolanda Gutierrez. She married David Roe, Sr., on March 8, 1963, and he preceded her in death on January 26, 2018.
Yolanda graduated from Alamosa High School a year early, earning the honorarium of valedictorian before spending a year traveling Mexico with her grandmother. Yolanda joined the Marines in 1962 where she trained as an architect, reaching the rank of PFC. She received a good conduct medal in August 1962. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marines, she was employed by Eli Lilly beginning in 1970 and continuing until retirement. While there she
received an Associate Degree in chemistry.
Yolanda spoke Spanish, French, and Latin. She was an avid crafter and had incredible skills with a crochet needle. She enjoyed playing Hands and Foot, traveling with the Happy Travelers group and morning Starbucks with her friends, and learning to paint.
An active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, she facilitated the annual Fantasia event as well as many others. She was a member of the American Legion Gillen Post #33 where she also volunteered her efforts for charity events and fundraisers.
Yolanda is survived by her son, David (Dotti) Roe, Jr.; daughter, Diana Roe; grandchildren, Brandon Roe, Savannah Roe, and Charlie White; great-granddaughter, Scarlett; and one sister, Epi Lemons.
Yolanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings, Loyola, David, and Eva.
Cremation was chosen and due to the ongoing pandemic. A public memorial service is postponed at this time. A date for a celebration of life service will be determined later. A small private ceremony will be held for the immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimers Association.
Yolanda’s care has been entrusted to the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne-George Family Funeral
Homes in Bedford.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.FergusonLee.com.
