Roger Alan Pletcher, 51, of Elkhart, passed away at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 19, at Elkhart Center for Hospice Care surrounded by family and friends after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born November 14, 1971, in Santa Monica, California to Eugene and Marian (Willard) Pletcher. On July 4, 2021, he married Tina Marie (Anson) Garrison at Ruthmere Mansion Museum in Elkhart. She survives with his daughter, Layna, of Elkhart; two step-daughters, Amanda Garrison of Elkhart and Brenna (Tucker) Belden of Wrenshall, Minnesota; his mother, Marian of Elkhart; a brother, Royce (Christina) of Elkhart; three nieces, Jennifer and Jordan, both of Elkhart, and Katelyn (Devin) Rudloff of Middlebury; and two nephews, Nickolas "Buddy" of South Bend and Ashton "Bugg" of Elkhart. His father and a nephew, Michael, are deceased.

Friends may visit with the family and pay their respects from 5 to 8 pm Friday, August 25, 2023, at Adamsville Road Church of God in Elkhart, where the service will be at 2 pm Saturday, August 26, 2023, with one hour of visitation prior beginning at 1 pm. Pastors Rick Ferguson and Paul Neel will officiate, and a meal will be provided by the church immediately following. As were Roger's wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes later scattered at a horse sanctuary in Tennessee. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is coordinating arrangements.

Roger loved sports in general, but especially baseball and football. He was a long-time devoted fan to the St. Louis Cardinals and Penn State Nittany Lions and supported his wife's love for the Indianapolis Colts by sharing season tickets with her the last two years. Always being very competitive, over the years Roger had played in several softball leagues (always as first baseman) as well as neighborhood pick-up football and basketball games. He also played darts and pool and bowled on a number of local leagues. Just recently, he and his wife joined a group of friends for trivia night once a month at the Elkhart Moose Lodge.

In his youth, Roger attended California Road Missionary Church but more recently joined his wife as a member of Adamsville Road Church of God. After attending Elkhart Memorial High School, he worked for Heartland, Tuscany and General RV, all in Elkhart, as well as for Doolittle's Sports Bar in South Bend. But with his deep, rich booming voice, he could have easily been a sports radio announcer!

Not only was Roger competitive, he also was absolutely devoted to his family and spent most of his time with them. He loved hosting family game nights with his wife in their home playing euchre or other card and board games while listening to 80s music or watching Penn State football. He enjoyed attending Tina's family reunions, where they were the two-time reigning Egg Toss Champions. He also loved traveling and taking vacations with his wife to Myrtle Beach, St, Louis and Duluth, but most especially to Brown County, Indiana and Nashville, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ribbons of Hope or the Elkhart Hospice House. Also, in honor of Roger's eclectic nature, the services are considered as a "come-as-you-are" affair, so wear what makes you happy!

Ribbon of Hope
5230 Beck Drive, Suite 2B, Elkhart IN 46516
Tel: 1-574-990-4673
Web: http://ribbonofhope.org

Center for Hospice Care c/o Esther House
501 Comfort Pl., Mishawaka IN 46545