Hoberta Ann (Costen) Roach

Hoberta Ann Costen Roach passed away December 18, 2010 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She had been ill for a number of weeks. She was born on November 25, 1941 in Gallipolis, Ohio to Margaret Whippel Costen and Hobert Costen, who both preceded her in death. She grew up in Pomeroy, Pt. Pleasant and Gallipolis and graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1959. She married Gerald E. "Dick" Roach Sr. on September 4th, 1961 who survives her. They were married at St. Louis Catholic Church where she was a member at the time of her death.

Growing up, Hoberta enjoyed dance lessons, roller skating and showing horses. She shared her love of horses with her husband and they passed that along to their two sons: Gary and Jeff. Gary is married to Annie Wiseman Roach and Jeff is married to Leigh Ann Layne Roach. They all live in Gallipolis. Hoberta worked at Doxol Gas in her early married life. She began driving a school bus for the Gallipolis City Schools in 1974. Through her job she became involved in her local union, Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) and went on to serve on the state union board for many years. She fought very hard for her co-workers and for the betterment of our area schools.

Anyone who knew Hoberta knew her to be quite a character. This was especially true to her family to whom she was very devoted. She was Nana to her Grandchildren who also survive: Maggie Roach, New York City, Nick and Ben Roach of Gallipolis, Hannah Roach and Phil Hollingshead of Gallipolis. She took great joy in making the holidays special for them and she will be greatly missed in the next few days and for many more to come.

In addition to her parents Hoberta was preceded in death by her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Stella and Alfred Arnold, her Aunt Lois Lee and Uncle Max Nibert, her Uncle Sherwood Costen, her Aunt Cecy and Uncle John Goett and her grandson Kevin Eric Roach. She is survived by her Aunt Mabel Costen, cousins: Carolyn (Kip) Hartenbach, Max Lee (Jane) Nibert, Tom (Margaret) Goett, Cecilia Goett, Jamie (Matt) Swartz, Chandler and Caden Swartz, Finn Nibert, brother-in-law Charlie (Anna) Roach and nieces and nephews Teresa, Charles Jr., Michelle, Greg, Justin and Pamela. She will also be missed by many special friends who grew up and worked with her over the years.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 21st from 5:00-8:00 PM at McCoy Moore Funeral Home in Gallipolis and the Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 22nd at St. Louis Catholic Church with Msgr. William Myers officiating. Burial will follow in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be made to:
The Gallia Academy Choir Boosters
c/o Nancy Pennington
563 Juniper Lane
Gallipolis, OH 45631

Condolences may be sent to www.mccoymoore.com