Elizabeth (Libby) Jane Schroeder

Elizabeth Jane (Libby) Roller was born in Appalachia, Virgina to Jessie Kyle Roller and Lorna Lenore Countiss Roller. She went to be with her lord on May 23, 2026 at Hodgeman County Health Center ISB unit at Jetmore.

The family moved to Winter Haven, Florida where Libby spent her time swimming and playing softball. She was chosen to participate on a state softball team that traveled the state. After High School, she went to work for a friend’s family that had just started the now famous Cypress Gardens. As she was working in the gift shop, the love of her life, a young Air Force pilot, Richard Schroeder, wandered in. They were married November 23, 1955 at Bartow Air Force Base in Polk County, Florida. Richard was transferred shortly to Lubbock, Texas and then to San Antonio. Soon after, in 1957, Pam was born and they moved back to Jetmore; where they completed their family with Rick and Barb. On that first trip home from Florida to Kansas in the middle of a snow storm, traveling in their Pontiac convertible with no heater, Libby remarked that the 30 miles between Dodge City and Jetmore was the longest in her life, no trees, no flowers, no water! It was shell shock because where Libby grew up there was 1,000 lakes, but she never regretted the move. She loved that it was a great place to raise a family.

Libby was a member of Jetmore Methodist Church and Sunday School teacher for many years. One of her students recently remarked how she enjoyed the slumber parties Libby held for students. Libby loved playing cards and taught many students bridge or pitch where many friendships were made.

Libby was a 4-H leader for many years, teaching boys cooking classes. The kitchen was full of laughter as she patiently taught them. The best lesson was when she taught them how to cut up a whole chicken. They learned, but some chicken pieces looked unrecognizable in the end.

Athletics had always been a big part of her life. She was so enthusiastic at each kids’ success and rarely missed a game, no matter where it was. She loved watching college basketball and all sports. She would call Lon to remind him that K-State, KU, or the Kansas City Chiefs were playing. She loved reading and was even the substitute librarian for a time. Once she was older, she loved putting together puzzles and her last “good” day was spent putting together a puzzle while visiting with friends in the rest home.

Survivors include: two daughters, Pam (Lon) Ruff of Hanston, Barb (Doug) Cossman of Jetmore; daughter-in-law, Julie Schroeder of Jetmore; eight grandchildren, Charliss (Todd) Thrasher of Texhoma, OK, Jamie (Nealray) Davis of Wheeler, TX, Robin (Greg) Hughes of Saint Joseph, MO, RJ (Jarell) Schroeder of Jetmore, Lee (Denise) Schroeder of Jetmore, Brit (Jocelyn) Schroeder of Jetmore, Weston (Kileigh) Cossman of Jetmore, Abby (Ryan) Unruh of Ness City; thirteen great grandchildren, Gage Thrasher, Charley Thrasher, Neely Davis, Champion Davis, Tuff Davis, Owen Hughes, Natalie Hughes, Tiana (Drew) Dansel, Jayla Schroeder, Carson Schroeder, Gavin Stanley, Brody Schroeder, Halle Schroeder, Reese Schroeder, Mason Unruh, Andi Unruh; great-great grandchild, Baylor Dansel and one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and Lorna Roller; in-laws, Bill and Louise Schroeder; son, Richard William (Rick) Schroeder; sister, Margolo Sutton; and brother, James Roller.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Jetmore Methodist Church with Carolyn Tarman and Pastor Maria Grimm presiding. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Beckwith Funeral Home, Jetmore. Burial will be in the Fairmount Cemetery, Jetmore.

Memorials may be given to support local children’s health needs by giving to the Jetmore-Hanston Lion’s Club or the Shriners both in care of Beckwith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 663, Jetmore, KS 67854. Personal Condolences may be left at www.beckwithfuneralhome.com.