Anita K. Roller, age 87, of Wooster, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, surrounded by family.
Anita was born on November 12, 1938, in Wooster to Eli and Ruth Lavonne (Pletcher) Graber. She married Karl L. Roller on March 31, 1963, and they spent 63 years building their life together in Wooster.
Anita was a graduate of Wooster High School (1956) and Manchester College (1960). She was an active member of Smithville Brethren Church. She started her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Wooster Township School before beginning a family in 1965. She returned to teaching as a second-grade teacher at Wooster Christian Schools where she eventually retired.
A life-long avid gardener and the owner of Roller Gardens, Anita was passionate about daylilies and iris, and an active member in both the Moreland Garden Club and Ohio Association of Garden Clubs (OAGC). She served as an OAGC judge for many years and OAGC State President from 2000 to 2002. She was also active as a leader in 4H clubs.
In addition to her loving husband Karl, Anita is survived by two sons Duane (Cheryl) Roller of Columbus, OH and David (Mina) Roller of Libertyville, IL; four grandchildren, Saoirse (Wesley) Shoemaker, Eli Roller, Emily Roller and Daniel Roller; her sister, Jacki Gingrich and nephews John Gingrich (Christine Currie) and Joel Gingrich (Scott Helberg).
Family and friends may call from 3 to 6 pm on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Smithville Brethren Church, 193 E. Main St, Smithville.
Private graveside services will be held at Paradise Church of the Brethren Cemetery in Smithville.
The family is very grateful for the loving care provided by the staff of Ohio’s LifeCare Hospice.
Memorial donations may be made to Smithville Brethren Church, 193 E. Main St, Smithville, OH 44677 or the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs Foundation, Attn: Carol Hosbrook-Cole, 958 Kings Drive, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
My condolences to the family.
Anita was such a lovely lady and did such a nice job with flowers.
Carl and Family, we are so sad by the loss of sweet Anita. We have you all in our prayers and thoughts.
Duane, Cheryl, and Daniel,
Our family was so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother. I am certain that she was a remarkable woman and that her absence will be felt by many who love her. We hope that your memories comfort you in these difficult days and weeks to come. I know you all carry the best of her inside of you.
The Kitts Family – Meredith, Gerrit and Anneka