Betty Sue Roa of Fremont, Calif., passed away on December 27, 2020, following a stroke a few days earlier. Betty Sue was born in Harmony, Minn., to Harry and Selma Workman on May 3, 1923. After graduating from Harmony High School, she earned her teaching credential at Mankato State, which would mark the beginning of her long teaching career. She taught first grade in Harmony and loved sharing stories about her early experiences with her young students (including her niece Ann Mraz). In 1947 she took a trip to visit her sister Doris in California, where she met her future husband Clarence “Bing” Roa. They were married in 1948. Daughter Debbi was born in 1952, and soon after, Betty Sue returned to teaching in San Leandro, Calif. The family moved to Fremont, Calif., in 1962, where Betty Sue continued to teach until her retirement in 1986. She taught many grades over the years, but kindergarten was nearest her heart. She taught with Genore Schaaf (Brokken) for many years and their families were lifelong friends. Betty Sue loved to read, a pastime she had to the end of her life. She would often read two books a week keeping Debbi busy making sure she had ample reading material. She loved writing letters to her friends and watching her Sunday church service on her iPad. Her favorite memories were the summer treks made to Harmony to visit family and friends.
Betty Sue is survived by daughter Debbi, son-in-law Don Bolce, grandchildren Cody Bolce and Gigi Raj; niece Ann Mraz, grandnephew Brad Thacher; and nieces on the Roa side. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by husband Bing, her sisters Louise Yeoman and Doris Sampson, and brothers Ross and Roger Workman.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will not be services held at this time. If you knew Betty Sue, please share a favorite memory of her with someone you love.