Rita E. Roell

May 8, 1926 - August 17, 2018

Rita E. Roell, age 92 of Batesville, died Friday, August 17, 2018. Born May 8, 1926 in Franklin County Indiana, she is the daughter of Frances (Nee: Schreibeis) and Joseph Jaehnen. She married Otto Roell August 5, 1950 at St. Peter’s Church in St. Peter’s, Indiana and he preceded her in death November 16, 2007 after 57 years of marriage. A homemaker, she worked part time at the Batesville Herald Tribune for several years and was a member of St. Louis Church and the Daughters of Isabella. Rita and Otto enjoyed lively games of Solo and 500 with family and friends, attending dances on Saturday evenings, Sunday afternoon church picnics, ball games and reunions. They traveled to several states and Germany visiting family and old friends along the way. Their greatest pleasure was seeing their children and families as much as possible. Rita enjoyed the weekly bingo games at St. Louis Church and her monthly 500 card club parties until her health prevented it. Her dry sense of humor became more apparent in later years along with the hilarious one liners. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Regina and Tom Meyer of Batesville, Melissa and Tim Schneider of Sunman; sons and daughters-in-law Robert and Robin Roell of Greensburg, Melvin and Sheila Roell, Dennis and Beverly Roell, William and Melanie Roell and Steven and Tammy Roell, all of Batesville; sister Florence Merkel of Milan; twenty four grandchildren; thirty two great grandchildren; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her infant son Joseph; sisters Marie Feller, Angela Krause, Dorothy Ruhl and brothers Joseph and Norbert Jaehnen. Visitation is Friday, August 24th, from 9 – 1130 a.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services follow at Noon at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating and burial in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Sunman Rescue Squad or Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.