White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Nancy Elizabeth Roper, 92 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  She was born on May 30, 1920, in Harleton, Texas, the daughter of William Lee and Emma Lee (Smith) Alexander.  She attended school in Texas.  On July 17, 1937, she and Loyce Cleveland Smith were married in Jefferson, Texas.  They later divorced.  In May of 1950, she and Horce Childress were married in Texarkana, Arkansas.  They were also divorced.  On October 28, 1954, she and Jesse William Roper were married in Miami, Oklahoma.  He preceded her in death in 1978.  Mrs. Roper was a psychiatric aide at the Mental Health Institute in Independence for 28 years.  She retired in 1982.  Mrs. Roper enjoyed family gatherings especially if these events included roasting wieners over an open fire.

Mrs. Roper is survived by 2 sons, Raymond L. (Judy) Smith and Jimmy D. (Debbie) Roper, both of Independence, Iowa, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 3 sons, William Smith, Rodger Smith, and Randy Childress, 3 grandchildren, Kimberly Smith, Agnes Roper, and Anthony Roper, and 3 brothers.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013, at Oakwood Cemetery in Independence.  White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.