Martha Mittel Roloff

Martha Mittel Roloff went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, August 18, 2016 after her short battle with bile duct cancer. She was born in 1937 in San Angelo, TX. Martha grew up on a ranch in Sonora, TX where she attended the local Sonora schools. She was active in drama and music and was a band sweetheart. She graduated Valedictorian. Martha then attended San Angelo College where she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Delta Psi Omega dramatics fraternity and Little Theatre. She played the leading role in seven plays and was an Assistant Director for one play. She participated in the Acapella Choir. She was vice-president of the Spanish club, a member of the Student Council and was listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” She was the highest honor graduate of her class.

After graduating Jr. College, Martha attended the University of Texas where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Curtain Club, Cap and Gown, and the Longhorn Singers. She was chosen outstanding student by the Spanish Department and was graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Following college, Martha met her husband Melvin “Lynn” Roloff and they were married September 2, 1961. After Lynn graduated from Law School, Martha and Lynn moved to Victoria, TX. Soon after, the family moved to London for a year and then relocated to Houston in October 1968. During their 34 years living in Houston, Martha was active in the choir at Houston’s First Baptist Church, traveled with the choir on several mission trips and served as the social chair. Throughout her lifetime, Martha participated in many activities including President of Briargrove Park Garden Club, President of the Geophysical Society and Spouses Program Chairman for the International Geophysical Society. After 33 years at Houston’s First, Martha and Lynn became members of Tallowood Baptist Church. In September 2011, Martha and Lynn moved to Sugar Land, TX and this remained her primary residence until the time of her death.

Martha was a great mother, grandmother (“Meemie”) and sister. She loved the Lord and faithfully served him throughout her life. She was a positive role model and was someone who stood out in the crowd to her friends. She would always see things in a positive manner and often quoted scripture to guide others when they were struggling or just needed to hear encouraging words. Martha was an avid Longhorn and Texans football fan and also loved the Astros. She truly enjoyed attending her grandson’s school and sporting events. Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” She was a strong encouraging woman indeed.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and William Mittel Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Ellen Roloff-Norris and Susan Mack, her son-in-law Jim Norris, grandson Tyler Mack, brother John Mittel and his wife Toni, nieces Tonia Mittel, Marcie Beck and husband Rick, Robert Mittel and wife Kelly, sister-in-law Barbra Mann, nephew Mike Mann and wife Carrie and niece Lisa Easterwood.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 21, 3-6pm at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. A celebration of Martha’s life will take place on Monday, August 22, 2:00PM, at Tallowood Baptist Church, 555 Tallowood Rd.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Living Water International (www.water.cc ).