Marvel J. Roudebush

The Marvelous Marvel Roudebush (Fitch) of Des Moines passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, surrounded by the family she so deeply adored. Marvel brought laughter and warmth wherever she went. We take comfort knowing she is once more dancing with her beloved George to the sounds of polka music.

Marvel was born on March 24, 1931 in Ankeny, Iowa, to Helen (Nagle) and Harold Fitch. She was the spirited middle child between her brothers, Bob Fitch and Norman Fitch. She met her soulmate, George Roudebush, at a New Year’s Eve dance. The two shared a marriage of 59 years, marked by devotion, laughter, and the daily ritual of George greeting her after work with a cold Diet Mountain Dew. When she left this world, we know he had one waiting, and their long-anticipated dance began once more.

Marvel retired from EMCO after 40 years of service, where she was a beloved receptionist and the friendly face welcoming all who entered. After retirement, she and George continued to serve their community through years of volunteer work at the Northwest Community Center, where Marvel remained a steady, kind-hearted presence.

She was feisty, funny, and full of life. A fiercely loving mother and grandmother, Marvel was known for her quick quips at the card table and the sparkle in her eyes when she drew a good hand. She was a second mom and grandma to many, always ready with open arms, a warm smile, and a seat at the table.

Though she had already lived a full and vibrant life, Marvel’s love for her family kept her going through a difficult illness at the age of 92. In her final years, she took great joy in seeing her great-granddaughter Emma graduate from the University of Iowa and start her career. She beamed with pride as Luci began her journey in the Des Moines Police Academy, and she cherished watching Juvie thrive in her senior year of high school. She was also blessed with two sweet years alongside her youngest great-granddaughter, Elowyn filled with gentle moments and joyful presence. Her love for each of them ran deep, and her legacy lives on in every story shared, all of our feisty spirits, and every hand of cards played in her honor.

Marvel is survived by her daughters, Barb (John) White, Marlene Higdon, and Jan Bastian; her grandchildren, David (Michael) Baccus-Primivito, Melissa (Steve) Seybert, Theresa Selzer, and Jessica (Zach) Peterson; her great-grandchildren, Emma Seybert, Luci Seybert, Juvie Lim, and Elowyn Peterson; her brother, Norman Fitch; and many adored nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Helen Keller and Harold Fitch; her brother, Bob Fitch; her dear friends, Skip and Deb; and many other cherished loved ones.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Marvel’s memorial fund. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the extraordinary life of an unforgettable woman.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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