Sylvia Esther Roys

Sylvia Esther Roys, 93, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at Lenoir Woods in Columbia surrounded by family. She was born September 20, 1932, in Goodrich, North Dakota to Edward and Olga (Sifko) Schimelfining. She was the youngest of nine children and at the age of 17, moved off the farm and took the train to Seattle where she lived with two of her older sisters. While in Seattle, she met Keith Roys, Sr. who on March 25, 1954, became her husband. They just celebrated 72 beautiful years of marriage on March 25, 2026. She is survived by her husband, her two children, Keith Roys, Jr. and Vicki Waterman, both from Noblesville, Indiana. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Joshua, Micah, Erin, Amanda, and Greg Roys, and Rebecca, Luke, Elizabeth, Mary, and Abigail Waterman; she also has 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Sylvia devoted her life to her family, and found joy in simple, meaningful moments such as cooking, baking, gardening, showing gratitude, and caring for her home, teaching those skills and values to her children. She also loved playing games with her family and friends, whether it was cards, dominoes, or Mah Jongg. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, who were the center of her world.

Sylvia enjoyed reading the Bible and devotionals with her husband. They both attended First Baptist Church for years, where she was active in the women’s groups.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Frank, Forris, Morris, Elda, Evelyn, Dena, Lena, and Mary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s honor to First Baptist Church of Columbia.

A service honoring and celebrating Sylvia’s life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 3 pm in the Lenoir Woods Chapel in Columbia. Private family burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Memorial Funeral Home.