ELLEN ROESER

Fort Worth, Texas - Ellen Roeser, daughter of a Texas oil tycoon, champion markswoman, and staunch advocate for cat adoption, passed away on Monday, June 15. She was 91.

Born on August 30, 1934, to Charles and Maxine Roeser, Ellen was part of a prominent Fort Worth oil family that made significant contributions to the city, state, and country. She and her older sister, Emily, grew up at 23 Westover Road—a grand estate referred to as the McKee-Roeser-Kimbell-Van Cliburn home due to its notable owners throughout history.

Ellen attended Arlington Heights Elementary and Stripling Junior High. She cherished the mornings when her father—a renowned wildcatter who served on the Petroleum Industry War Council during World War II—would drive her to school after they had breakfast together. His work often took him to Washington, D.C., and beyond, so one-on-one time with her father remained some of her fondest memories.

Sadly, when she was just 14, Ellen’s father passed away from a heart attack after suffering complications from cancer surgery.

Ellen attended The Hockaday School, a prestigious all-girls boarding school in Dallas, where she served as president of the athletic board. At her graduation ceremony, Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the United States, delivered the keynote address.

Ellen continued her education at Finch Junior College in New York City and later at the University of Texas at Austin. Along the way, she made her debut at The Assembly Ball in Fort Worth and served as Duchess at Fiesta San Antonio, revered traditions that marked her formal introduction into society.

Ellen’s life in the following decades was a tapestry of adventure, love, philanthropy, and tragedy. In her late 20s, Ellen discovered a passion for marksmanship and traveled the world, competing in pigeon shoots. A quick shot with a 12-gauge, she competed in Spain, France, and Mexico, winning numerous championships.

She married several times and had two sons, Charles Meeker and Tony Brants, who were 13 years apart. A lover of the outdoors and physical activity, Ellen treasured the time spent with her boys skiing on Possum Kingdom Lake. They also spent time together at her late father’s lake house on Eagle Mountain Lake, which is still enjoyed by family members today.

Tragically, on June 9, 1989, Ellen lost her youngest son, Tony, in a car accident when he was 19 years old. He was driving back to Fort Worth from Austin, where he had just completed his freshman year in college. The tragedy devastated Ellen, who never fully recovered from the loss of her beloved son.

The year before Tony's death, Ellen bought a condominium in Aspen and began splitting her time between Fort Worth and Aspen. She became a daily visitor at the Aspen Animal Shelter, where she helped feed and care for the cats waiting for adoption.

She donated generously, both her time and money, to the shelter and helped establish the cat sanctuary. She had a special place in her heart for cats, often taking in stray or abandoned felines and providing them with a safe and loving home.

Aside from her passion for adventure and animal welfare, Ellen was known for her generosity.

Ellen was always very active and independent. At age 90, she still worked out regularly at Rivercrest Country Club and drove daily to Roy Pope Grocery, where they knew her coffee order by heart.

Ellen will be remembered for her vivacious spirit, generous heart, and love for animals.

Ellen was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Roeser; father, Charles Roeser; sister, Emily Parker; and son, Tony Brants. She is survived by her son, Charles Meeker, and his wife, Tracey; nieces, Shannon Parker and Kelli Parker; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Community Healthcare of Texas and Comfort Keepers of Fort Worth for their compassionate care, kindness, and support during Ellen’s final days.

A Committal Service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, June 18, at the Roeser Mausoleum in Greenwood Memorial Park in Fort Worth.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Aspen Animal Shelter, 101 Aspen Shelter Road, Aspen, CO, 81611; The Saving Hope Foundation, 1320 S. University Drive, Suite 701, Fort Worth, TX 76107, or the charity of your choice.