Elizabeth Christine Roehr, lovingly known as Tina to all but door-to-door salesmen and the IRS, returned to her Heavenly home on March 29, 2025, due to complications from cancer.
Born on November 16, 1950, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to Elizabeth Lucile (Adamson) Grotts and John Jackson Grotts, Tina was the eldest of three children. Growing up in a military family, frequent relocations were a way of life until her father’s retirement from the Army, when they finally settled in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. She excelled at Buena High School, where she maintained an exceptional GPA while immersing herself in student council, cheerleading, field hockey, basketball, and earning the title of Homecoming Queen. A passionate learner, she continued her education at the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in 1972.
That same year, she met her eternal companion, Stephen Nixon (Nick) Roehr. After a brief but beautiful courtship, they were married for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple on January 5, 1973. Together, they built a life full of love, adventure, humor, and faith, raising five children along the way: Lance Aaron, Wendy Michele, Clint Edward, Tammy Christina, and Ryan Stephen.
While Nick served as an Air Force officer, Tina pursued a career in teaching, beginning in Dallas, Texas. Teaching was more than a job to her—it was a passion; one she poured her heart into for over 30 years. Along the way, she earned a master’s degree in English and served in the alternative public high school system in the West Ada School District helping at-risk youths. For her work and dedication, in 2004, she was named Idaho State Teacher of the Year, an honor that took her to Washington, D.C., where she met the President and attended Space Camp—an experience she recounted with both pride and humor.
For the last seven years of her teaching career, she worked as a librarian, a role she adored. “All the fun of teaching without the lesson plans and grading papers,” she’d often say. Even after retiring from the Boise School District in 2022, Tina couldn’t imagine stepping away from education. She continued teaching online for the College of Western Idaho until the very day she passed.
Tina had a zest for life that was infectious. A University of Arizona cheerleader, she never lost her spirit, becoming a lifelong champion for her family, students, and friends. Her boundless energy, insatiable curiosity, and genuine love for people endeared her to everyone she met. As her husband Nick fondly put it, “Tina probably has the biggest fan club of anyone in the world who wasn’t a paid celebrity or online influencer.”
She was passionate about horses, camping, and exploring the world around her. Sunday family dinners were sacred, and her sweet tooth was legendary—especially for German chocolate cake, pecan pie, and frozen peppermint patties. Above all, Tina cherished her family. She filled their lives with laughter, love, and delightfully quirky traditions, creating a legacy of joy that will endure for generations.
Her legacy of joy and devotion lives on in those she leaves behind: her beloved husband and best friend of 52 years, Nick; her brother, David (Laura) Grotts; her five children, Lance (Heather) Roehr, Wendy (Tysen) Hunt, Clint Roehr, Tammy (Jason) Gordon, and Ryan (Jordan Van Matre) Roehr. Her 13 grandchildren, whom she thought were “the best part of life” (all the fun and none of the hassle).; Ian (Dana), Marshall (Whitney), Sydney (Joe), Brooke (Nathan), Taylor (Robert), Kyler, Trystan, Christian, Landon, Keilana, Jaxon, Amelia, and Rydan; as well as her great-grandson, Beck.
She will be dearly missed—but her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and students will forever echo in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her. Until we meet again.
A celebration of life will be held, 11:00 am, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7200 Duncan Lane, Boise. A private family committal service will be held at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.