Jean Ann Roddy

Jean Ann Bercher Roddy passed away peacefully on July 25th, 2023, at the age of 81 in Barling, Arkansas. She was born on January 2nd, 1942, to Martine Sr. and Elizabeth Bercher (Sengel). She attended St. Boniface Catholic School and graduated from St. Scholastica Academy, Class of l960. She was a “people person” and enjoyed meeting and greeting persons of all ages. She enjoyed working at the Holiday Inn in Shelby, NC, Hertz , Arvest Bank, and Weight Watchers all in Fort Smith.

During the Christmas season for many years, she, along with her husband, Bill, would dress up and become Santa and Mrs. Claus. The jolly couple would visit various organizations and events, listening to Christmas wishes and handing out miniature candy canes from her basket.

Following the Arkansas Razorbacks was of great interest to her and Bill, mostly due to her brother, Martine Bercher Jr., who became a Razorback football player and went on to become an All-American. They were always keeping up with the team and cheering them on to victory.

Jean Ann was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi International Sorority, joining in 1961 and continuing until her passing. As a member of Theta Epsilon chapter, she held many positions of leadership one of which was president of City Council. At one time, she was selected to be the “Woman of the Year” for the state of Arkansas.

Jean Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years, William (Bill) Roddy, an infant brother, Richard, her brother, Martine Bercher Jr., and her step-son, Wayne Roddy. She is survived by her son, Bryan (Valerie), of Baja, California, Mexico, step-daughters Cheryl Olson (Harlan) of Minnesota, Beth Milbrett (Randy) of Minnesota , Jan Blanton (Nathan) of North Carolina, her sister, Bettye Bercher Franz (Edward), her sister-in-law, Carole Bercher, eleven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

Rosary will be held on Sunday, July 30th, at 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home chapel at North 12th and B streets. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 31st, at 10 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church at North 18th and B streets with Father Reginald Udouj, O.S.B of Subiaco Abbey officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery following the funeral Mass. Pallbearers will be her nephews and son-in-laws. Edwards Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions may be made in Jean Ann’s name to St. Scholastica Monastery, P.O. Box 3489, Fort Smith, AR 72913 or St. Boniface Catholic Church, 1820 North B Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901.

The family wishes to extend to the staff of Mercy Crest in Barling heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the care and happiness they provided to Jean Ann during the past year.