Roselyn "Roz" Ann Royce

Roselyn “Roz” Royce, 85 , passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, in her home of 65 years, surrounded by her loving family. Born February 8, 1940, in Indianapolis to Edward and Rose Priller, she was the oldest of seven children. She lived in Indianapolis, IN, and Gahanna, OH, with the majority of her time spent in Indiana. She attended Little Flower Catholic School, graduated from Scecina High School, and attended Marian College in Indianapolis. Roz married Michael Royce on May 21, 1960. She was mostly a stay-at-home mom but would babysit for family, friends, and neighbors. Her first job outside the home was as a telephone operator, until her third child came along. When her kids were grown, she took a job at KinderCare Daycare. She was a devoted wife, mom, “Grammy,” and so much more. She was very artistic and encouraged her children to embrace their artistic abilities. Her love for art was shown through her many drawings, creative quilts, love of music, and homemade decorations and gifts. She was a devout Catholic. She was a Prayer Warrior and a member of the Ladies’ Knights of Columbus group. Nightly, she would say the Rosary for people who had prayer requests. When her children were younger, she helped with Sunday school classes. She was a strong supporter of the pro-life movement. She supported several organizations, many of which involved the care and well-being of children. She started making afghans to donate to St. Vincent de Paul, which led to making quilts. With the help of her daughters, they were able to make and donate hundreds of layette sets. Rarely was she seen without a crochet needle in her hands, designing a quilt on the dining room table, assembling quilts at the sewing machine, or organizing the perfect combination of blanket, hat, afghan, and toy for the layettes. She treasured spending time with her family and friends. Even though she had a house full with eight kids, she always made time to help others—volunteering with Girl Scouts, PTO/PTA, different school systems, St. Joseph Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Church, YMCA, St. Vincent de Paul, and “Our Hearts to Yours,” to name a few. She created many strong bonds and friendships with people in all these groups. She especially enjoyed having the family around for holidays, weddings, graduations, and other celebrations. Her family was blessed by her nurturing nature, guidance, and unconditional love.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Michael; her eight children: Lynne (Mark) Weaver, Kevin (Aly) Royce, Sean (Gina) Royce, Laura (Brett) Foy, Lisa (Mike) Sapp, Michelle (Jerry) Shore, Amy (Dave) Hughes, and Andrew (Marla) Royce. She is also survived by her twenty-one grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren: Veronica (Brandon) Kirby with Mallory and Dylan; Matt (Vicky) Weaver with Josh, Hunter, Eliesya, and Reelynn; Elizabeth “Betsy” Weaver; JonMichael (Danielle Patterson) Weaver; Danielle Royce; Kaitlin (Justin) Ginn with Sophia; Jacob (Kristina) Royce; Brandon (Jaime) Foy with Teagan and Grayson; Blake (Cassie) Foy with Lorelai and Kiptyn; Corbin (Ashley) Sapp with Charlie and Ryleigh; Coriann (Thomas) Griffith with Ben and Delilah; Connor (Keri Bell) Sapp with Emry; Collin Sapp; Leila (Dalton) Dye with Camden and their soon-to-arrive baby boy; Tony Shore; Tyler Hughes; Jacob Hughes; Abbey Hughes; Keaton (Jordan) Royce with Peyton; Kamdon Royce; and Kaiden (Emma Messer) Royce. She was preceded in death by her parents; her younger brother, James “Jimmy” Priller; three brothers-in-law, Larry Drake, Patrick Royce, and Charles “Chuck” Royce; and her lifelong best friend, Bernadette “Bernie” Heneghan.

How do you put into words all the lives she has touched? It is amazing how many people approached us with stories of how and where they knew our mom. Please take a moment and share a story of your own about Roz

A visitation for Roselyn will be held Friday, July 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary, 1307 North Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46219. A mass of christian burial will occur Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Lawrence Catholic Church, 4650 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46226.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to one of the many organizations she supported: St. Vincent DePaul, Kidney Foundation, Birthline, and St. Lawrence Church