Maria Louise Rothmeyer

Maria (Roberts) Rothmeyer — A Life Stitched with Love and Generosity

Maria Roberts, 77, of Ankeny, Iowa, left this world on August 26, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. True to her nature, she faced it with the same determination and quiet strength she carried through every chapter of her life.

Maria’s story began in Des Moines, the third of four children born to AT and Virginia Roberts. Like many kids at that time, she spent her childhood playing outside with the other kids in the neighborhood, going to the Iowa State Fair every summer, and enduring relentless, good-natured taunting from her siblings. At East High School, she sang in the choir and marched proudly with the Scarlet Steppers, never afraid to stand out. That fearless streak showed itself in unexpected ways—like the time she entered a contest at Turner’s Department Store in Corning, Iowa. Not only did she sew the dress herself, but she modeled it, too. If Maria set her mind to something, there was never any doubt she’d pull it off—and look good doing it!

Over the years, Maria collected skills the way some people collect teacups. She made many of her own clothes as a young woman, sewed every one of her daughter Mendy’s formal dresses, and even tailored a full suit for her father. She could trap, hunt, and fish just as comfortably as she could bake, quilt, or garden. Maria didn’t just do things—she mastered them. And if you asked her for help with a project, be warned: she might take over and finish the whole thing herself. The good news? You’d end up with something beautiful, useful, and probably award-winning.

Her working life took her through roles at the Des Moines Police Department, the Polk County Courthouse, and even the Reliable Rugs Factory, where she crafted custom drapes. But her real vocation was found at home and in her community—where she turned ordinary days into occasions, holidays into traditions, and simple meals into feasts. A loaf of her freshly -baked banana bread was all it took to light up her son Mick’s face; and Maria’s coconut cake became legendary, a staple at graduations, showers, and on holiday tables. A generous hostess, no one left Maria’s house empty-handed, whether it was a plate of baked goods or a box of treasures from the garage. Her generosity was as constant as her smile.

Maria loved deeply and fiercely. She believed in her children and grandchildren more than they believed in themselves. She was the keeper of family traditions, the hostess of countless gatherings, and the torchbearer for the Roberts Christmas Eve celebration. Even in recent years, she stayed closely connected with her East High classmates and welcomed new neighbors and old friends alike with warmth, advice, and something delicious from her kitchen.

Maria is survived by her daughter, Mendy (Scot) Moritz; her grandchildren, Harrison Cook, Margaret Cook, and Alex Adams; her brother, Gary (Linda) Roberts; her sister, Reah (Doug) Adamson; her brother-in-law, Ron Gillette; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, AT and Virginia Roberts; her son, Michael “Mick” Adams; her sister, Susan Gillette; her niece, Renee Roberts; and her nephew, Troy Johnson.

Maria’s legacy can’t be measured in the quilts she stitched, the cakes she baked, or the antiques she refinished, but in the way she made people feel—loved, supported, and better than they were before. If you were ever on the receiving end of her generosity—whether through a kindness, a recipe, or a plate of cookies—her family invites you to honor her by paying it forward. Contributions to the family’s memorial fund are also welcomed, continuing Maria’s spirit of giving.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Friday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

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