Elaine “Tedde” passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023, with her family by her side, holding and loving her on her journey to be with God.
Mrs. Roper was born in Bremerton, Washington, on March 30, 1941, the daughter of Dr. James L. and Ruth Fuelling. She was a professed member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites since 1965 and founded a group here in Marion in 1988. She served as President from 1988-1996 and as spiritual assistant and Director of Formation from 1988 to present. She was also an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Marion. She taught adult religious education, Bible study groups, and lay ministries, and she recently compiled lectures with PowerPoint presentations on various religious subjects.
Tedde lived a spiritual life that was filled with adventure. She grew up a Navy “brat” living in many places throughout her life. She seemed to most enjoy her times in Pensacola and Charleston, where she could walk and run on the beach. She attended Ladywood Catholic Girls High School and was on a course to being a full order nun when she decided to attend Loyola University in New Orleans. Her life turned in a major way when she met Bill Roper. They met through an intramural track race and fell in love. She gave up her dream and followed God’s plan to become a wife and mother.
Again, the Navy prevailed; she lived in Japan for three years where Bill was stationed, and two of her four children were born. She refined many of her artistic talents while there and had many great memories.
She finally settled in Marion, raised four children, supported her husband, was active in her church, and lived her life to the fullest while keeping her strong spiritual beliefs at the forefront.
She was loved and respected by many different people. She enjoyed calligraphy and was an excellent musician.
Mrs. Roper was also the author of Journey into Silence: A Look at Prayer and Intimacy with God, Scattered Petals, Meditations and Prayers for Holy Week, The Holy Ones of Carmel, Waiting, Learn to Play the Easy Way, Through My Window (autobiography), and Once upon a Tree (fiction).
Tedde was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James L. and Ruth Fuelling, and her beloved husband, Dr. William Z. “Bill” Roper.
She is survived by three sons and one daughter: Dr. Mike (Jennifer) Roper, Marion; Lori Roper, Phoenix, AZ; Dr. Jerry Roper, Batesville; and Greg (Charity) Roper, Muncie; a sister, June (Russell) Hokanson, Chapin, SC; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. A vigil service will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 pm.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church at 11:00 am with Rev. Theodore Rothrock presiding. An additional hour of visitation will begin at 10:00 am in the Narthex. Entombment will be at Gardens of Memory in Huntington County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952 or St. Martin Community Center, 901 S. Branson St., Marion, IN 46953.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Elaine, please visit our floral store.
