Zula Karleen Roach was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by family on July 11, 2022 at the age of 82.
Karleen was born to Laurie and Carl Gotcher on February 18, 1940, in May, Texas. She attended school in Brownwood, Texas and married Charles “Red” Martin on June 30, 1957. They had 3 beautiful daughters, Shelly, Teresa, and Meredith “Duffy”.
Red and Karleen moved to San Angelo in 1960 where Karleen’s impeccable taste and love of fashion led her to an impressive career in retail. Karleen stood by her husband’s side until he passed away in July 1992. She later met and married Nelson Roach and the two spent the next 27 years laughing, dancing and traveling together.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Karleen. She loved gardening, cooking, reading, attending church, and shopping. But her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. A true matriarch, Karleen leaves an incredibly tight knit family who will continue to lean on each other and honor Karleen by living their lives to the fullest. We will never forget her finding the best bargain at Dillard’s, driving with one foot on the gas and one on the break, her favorite red lipstick, or her hugging you so tight that you just knew how much she loved you. Her faith in the Lord never waivered and we take joy and comfort knowing she is home in heaven rejoicing with loved ones gone before her.
Karleen was preceded in death by the father of her children, her son-in-law Kenny Sanders, her in laws Curtis and Tressie Martin, Clyde and Stella Roach, and sister in-law Joyce Wyatt. She is survived by her husband, Nelson Roach; daughters, Shelly Jones, Teresa Waters and husband Rick, and Duffy Sanders; her grandchildren Ashley Monzingo and husband Cody, Mallory McAllister and husband Justin, Kaylie Levandowski and husband Brian, Jera Gentry and husband Chase, Karly Cantu and husband Ben, Charlie Jones and fiance Emily Rose, and Haley Sanders; sister Jan and Rick Bower; and nephews and niece Matthew and Marti Bower and their children, Amber and Keith Kimmel and their children, and Luke and Carrie Bower and their children. Also surviving her is her bonus family: Susan Parker and husband Larry, Lisa Sutherland and husband Scott, Summer Martin and husband Jason, Brooke Jensen and husband Bobby, Kyle Martin, Cady Martin, Memphis Jensen and Mavrick Jensen.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 17, from 5 to 7 at Shaffer’s Funeral Home and services will be at Southland Baptist Church, Monday, July 18 at 10 am, Elias Garcia officiating. Pall bearers will be grandsons: Cody Monzingo, Justin McAllister, Brian Levandowski, Ben Cantu, Chase Gentry and Charlie Jones.
