Ms. Myrtle Lee Roach

Myrtle Lee Roach passed away on August 17, 2025, at her Kansas City, MO home. She was born on July 28, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to Berrion (Buzz) Brown and Maxine Lee Brown. Myrtle graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955 and earned an associate degree from Lincoln Junior College. She worked as a key punch operator at Bendix and Kansas City Power and Light Company, where she later became a cashier, retiring in 1992. Myrtle married Kermit in 1960, and they shared 42 happy years together. Known for their generosity, Myrtle and Kermit hosted annual New Year's Eve parties. Everyone knew where to go on New Year's Eve and this continued until Kermit’s health failed. She was close friends with Plummie and Harold Chaney, and their families often spent time together. They travelled together, ate together, fished together, picnicked together, you name it, they were together. Myrtle was a mother to her stepchildren, Debra and Ray, and her younger cousins, whom she cared for after they lost their mothers: Michael (Mike) Oates, Judith (Judy) Brown, Billy Oates, Shawn (Micki) Martin, Marc Hill, Michael (Mikey) Hill and Marlon (Snuffy) Mosby. She was a loving guardian, providing for their needs and offering guidance. When she offered advice, Myrtle was a straight shooter, she would tell you the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not but still let you know “I love you.” Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, husband Kermit, brothers Berrion and Bernard, half-sisters JoAnn Walthall and Lee Wanda Keller, children Billy Oates and Marlon Mosby, grandchild Damon Ivy and great-grandchild Isaiah Plair. Myrtle is survived by her step-children, Debra Ivy and Ray Roach; children Michael (Wilhemenia) Oates, Judith (Wendell) Brown, Shawn Martin, Marc Hill, and Michael (L’Nay) Hill; grandchildren Salathiel Roach, La-Kresha Roach, Michael Lynn Oates, LaTonya (Ryan) Fridmanis , Matthew (Ambria) Oates, Makeeda (Keith) Guess, Myron Oates, Lucki (Rickey) Harper, Julian Brown, Michaela Hill, Billy Oates, Wendell Brown, Anthony Martin, Vanessa Hill, Marc Hill, Charles Hill and Kion Martin; a special friend and care-giver, Michelle Henderson and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services Tuesday, August 26, at 11:00am at Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Brooking Cemetery. Visitation 10:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons. Condolences may be shared on our website.

Ms. Myrtle Lee Roach

July 28, 1937 - August 17, 2025