ELKHART — Marie A. Roose, 61, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Elkhart Hospice House.

A lifelong Elkhart resident, she was born Sept. 30, 1955, to Franklin D. and Gaynell M. (Eby) Roose Sr.

She is survived by her mother, Gaynell M. Roose and brother Frank D. Roose Jr., both of Elkhart.

In addition to her father, Franklin, she was preceded in death by her grandmother, Helen Eby and her faithful cat, Clarissa.

Marie was a 1974 graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School.

She received a bachelor's in history from Indiana University South Bend and her master's degree from IU Bloomington.

Marie was a school teacher with Elkhart Community Schools, where she taught at Mary Beck and Osolo elementary schools.

She was a member of the Indiana State Teachers Association, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and was formerly active with the Elkhart Civic Theatre.

Marie enjoyed reading, especially mysteries, traveling and watching old classic Hollywood movies.

She made and was an avid collector of paper dolls and had a love and a soft spot for animals.

Visitation for Marie will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, with additional calling one hour prior.

The Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate.

Burial and graveside services will follow in Olive East Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Elkhart County Humane Society.

---