  Demerise M. Laroche 8 May 1898 (Quebec, Canada) - 26 September 2000
 Shirley was born in Harper's Ferry, Iowa, to Leonard James and Estelle Martell Melvin. She passed away at Carrus Specialty Hospital, Sherman, Texas. She married Gerry LaRoche on September 9, 1949, in Denison, Texas. He preceded her in death May 11, 2010. Shirley had worked for many years with Gibson's Discount Stores as Toy Department Manager prior to her retirement. She also co-owned a large family convenience store at the entrance to Perrin Field, called Kountry Korner. During this time she ran the Kountry Korner Western Wear Shop in the same location. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Parish in Sherman and was active in the Columbian Ladies and in the Women's Guild. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jim Melvin, Richard Melvin and Jack Melvin, her husband Gerry, and two nephews, Steve Melvin and Shawn Melvin She is survived by her children: Bill LaRoche(Pam) of Denison, Joe LaRoche(Patti) of Gunter, Texas, and Peter LaRoche(Tami) of Garland, Texas; brother William Melvin(Anna Jean) of Gig Harbor, Washington; sisters-in-law Elsie Melvin of Denison, Mary Melvin of Denison, and Phyllis Melvin of Tucson, Arizona; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers are grandsons: Troy, Jeremy, Jason and Ryan LaRoche. Rosary will be recited by Reverend Mr. Albert Miller at Dannel Funeral Chapel, with a time of visitation immediately afterward. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 12th at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Celebrants will be Fr. Jeremy Myers and Fr. Antonio Aureus. Memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to the Stained Glass Window Restoration Project, c/o St. Mary's Catholic Church, 727 S. Travis St., Sherman, TX (75090).  Gerry was born in Morrisville, Vermont, to Rosaire and Demerise Mary Martel LaRoche. He passed away at the Homestead in Denison, Texas. He entered the US Air Force in 1946, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. On 9 September 1949, he married Shirley M. Melvin and the couple was blessed with three children. While in the military he was stationed at many bases around the world, and his family always traveled with him. He retired in 1966 after 20 years of service, having been a veteran of the Korean conflict and Vietnam War. Gerry then became well known locally as the proprietor of Kountry Korner in Denison. When establishing Kountry Korner he built it up to be one of the largest and most successful convenience stores of its kind. He was always willing to help his patrons and had a giving heart to aid people in need. A devoted father and grandfather, he coached his sons in Little League and spent many hours on the floor playing with his grandchildren. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memories he is survived by his wife Shirley of the home in Pottsboro, Texas; three sons, Bill LaRoche and wife Pam of Denison, Joe LaRoche and wife Patti of Gunter, Texas, and Peter LaRoche and wife Tami of Heartland, Texas; ten grandchildren, Troy, Tara, Jeremy, Jason, Sarah, Ryan, Bethany, Christina, Kendal and Jake; and five great grandchildren. The Rosary was recited at Dannel Funeral Home, with Deacon John LeBlanc officiating Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Celebrant Reverend Jeremy B. Myers and Con-Celebrant Reverend Antonio Aureus. Deacon John LeBlanc and Deacon Tomas Avila assisted. Interment followed at St. Mary's Cemetery, with Military Honors accorded at the graveside. Pallbearers were Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, Al Vrla, Joe Engle, Mike Horstman, Ed Horstman, Ron Reichelt and Mike Gerleman. St. Mary's Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 Grayson County TXGenWeb |
