Jean Marie Roark passed away March 8, 2018 into the loving arms of Jesus. She was surrounded by family both physically and spiritually as she slipped away. Our gentle little momma will be greatly missed. Jean was born March 23, 1927 in Nogales, AZ to Louis and Marie Hudgin. She was the baby sister to five older brothers who alternated between picking on and defending their baby sister. As a young teenager she developed a crush on her big brother’s friend and their neighbor, Richard Roark. She was told by her brothers to stop looking at Richard “that way”. Despite their brotherly “protection” Jean married Richard on May 14, 1947 and they began their adventure together in Tucson. That adventure started off with Margaret and then came Rick, Bill, Mike, Jodi and Kathy. Richard and Jean had a very full life with all the children and other family members around them. However, between loads of laundry, Jean began to wonder if there were more to life. As she was hanging laundry out to dry one morning she called out to God. It was at this point that Jean and Richard accepted Christ’s gift of salvation and truly dedicated their lives to following after Jesus. So they decided to try raising children as Christians to see if it would be any different. Along came Steve and Susan to join the family. The family enjoyed spending time together picnicking, camping and at reunions at the lodge in Oregon for Christmas. These outings often included extended family and friends.
Jean was always there to care for her husband and family. And when the family grew up and moved away she was praying for each one. We will miss your loving care and your prayers, momma.