Vula Mae Roy-Gager

Vula (Felderman) Roy-Gager, a longtime resident of Rooks County, passed away on October 8, 2025, at Solomon Valley Manor in Stockton, Kansas, at the age of 100.

She was born on June 3, 1925, on a farm northwest of Stockton to Albert and Myrtle (Koons) Felderman. After graduating from Webster High School in 1943, she moved to Denver but returned to Rooks County in January 1944. That same year, she married Omer Roy, instantly becoming the mother of his two children, ages six and eight. Together, they made their home on the Roy farm near Damar and added six more children to their family. Vula and Omer were married for 51 years.

Following Omer’s passing, Vula remained active, joining the Singles in Ag group with several of her friends from Damar. The group’s events took them to many towns across western Kansas, and it was at one of these gatherings that she met Gerald Gager, a widower from Woodston. They were married in 2001.

Vula played a vital role in farm life, preparing countless meals for her family and for those who helped on the farm over the years. She kept a large garden and raised around 300 chicks annually for eggs and meat. She was skilled in processing chickens as well as the beef and pork raised on the farm.

She was active in the Extension Homemakers Unit (EHU) for many years, served on the PTA at Damar School, and was a devoted member of St. Anne’s Sodality and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar.

One of the few Republicans in Richland Township for many years, Vula also served on the election board nearly every year until the age of 80.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Omer Roy and Gerald Gager; her son, Joe Mac; great-grandchildren Tanner Miller, Austin Schyler, and Cari Thompson; and sons-in-law Jim Lytle and Rod Thompson.

Vula is survived by her children: Alice Lytle (Jim), Jeannette Roy (Joe Mac), Cecil (Patti), Karen Bennett (Rob), Carol Thompson (Rod), Bonnie Berland (Craig), Jerry, and Teresa (Brent); as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—“too many to count.” Vula and Omer also fostered Sandy Clark and welcomed several other children into their home over the years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar. Inurnment will follow at the Church cemetery in Damar.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.