Sity Mae Roach

Alverda (Sity) G. Roach passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 1, 2025.

She is survived by her children, Robert M. Roach, Lynn R. Smith (John), and Sheryl A. Clouse; her grandchildren, Jason R. Roach, Danielle M. Roach, Douglas A. Smith (Claire), Benjamin A. Smith, William J. Smith, and Taylor M. DeBlanc (Antonio); her great-grandson, Gordon M. Smith; and siblings, Ruth McKinney and Robert Grimes (Carolyn).

She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Donald C. Roach (Don), and her brothers, John G. Grimes and James S. Grimes.

Sity was born to Staley and Wilma Grimes in Frederick, Maryland, on December 29, 1936. Growing up in rural Maryland, she was given the German nickname Sity as a child. Sity had an idyllic childhood where free time was spent biking to swimming holes and roller skating on country roads. She grew up next door to a white-steepled country church and used the church piano for her music lessons. One favorite memory is serving ice cream to Dwight D. Eisenhower’s grandchildren as they traveled to their weekend retreats at Camp David.

Sity graduated from Frederick High School in 1954. She received her RN from Frederick Memorial Hospital in 1958. She married Don Roach on January 24, 1959. The couple subsequently relocated to Germany for his military assignment.

Don and Sity’s life adventure together also took them to Bozeman, MT, South Charlestown, WV, Butte, MT, Albuquerque, NM, Anchorage, AK, and Rio Rancho, NM. While following Don’s career, Sity contributed to the community through her nursing profession, involvement in local churches, participation in scouting activities, and by cultivating lifelong friendships. In each destination, Sity saw new opportunities – in West Virginia, she acquired a love of hot dogs; in Montana, she learned to ski; in New Mexico, she learned to play tennis; in Alaska, she went backpacking and fishing. In 1991, Don and Sity settled in Rio Rancho to enjoy their retirement years.

Sity enjoyed a distinguished nursing career spanning five decades. She was noted for her compassion, composure, and triage expertise. Throughout most of her tenure, she adhered to the “old school” dress uniform, wearing a white dress, white hose, white shoes, and a nursing cape. She was nominated for Nurse of the Year in both Alaska and New Mexico.

Sity was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who prioritized her family. She cherished time with her grandchildren, often telling them, “I love you a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.” She was the hardest working attendee of “Poppy Camp,” the cherished annual trip Don made with the grandkids to Montana. This caused a recurring conversation to rename the event “Granny Camp.”

Sity was a member of High Desert United Methodist Church and a life-long Christian. She cherished the companionship of Don’s rescue dog, Joey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Women of Purpose, High Desert United Methodist Church.