Roger Grater Hetrick

Roger Grater Hetrick died peacefully at home at the age of 90.   He was born in Royersford, Pennsylvania to Anna and Ernest Hetrick.  He is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Don Hetrick, his sisters, Barbara and Diane (Andy) and his loving wife of many years, Anne (with an e) Hetrick.

He is survived by his loving children, Son, Lynn Hetrick (Wanda) of Las Vegas, NV, daughter, Joni Moody (Randy) of Rexburg, ID, Son, Roger Hetrick (Sandy) of Wilmington, DE, daughter, Jennifer Garrett (David) of Newark, DE and step-daughter, Laura Suarez (Glen) of Middletown, DE. He was also adored by his 15 grand-children, 11 great grand-children and many nieces and nephews whom he cherished.

Roger served 4 years in the Air Force mostly serving at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota as an airplane mechanic working on B36s. He did spend some of his 4 years in Guam.  After the air force, Roger attended West Chester University and obtained a teaching degree.  He went on to teach 5th & 6th grade science and math.  After 25 years of teaching Roger found a new passion and began working for Down to Earth, a landscaping company.  He loved being outdoors and enjoyed the friendships he made.

Roger was a good role model for his children.  Whether he was working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet, reminding us that everything should be done in moderation or to find the best in everything.

Roger enjoyed traveling, the beach, skiing and gambling.  Always quick with a joke, he was the epitome of the “dad joke”.  He loved playing games and pinochle was one of his favorite card games.  His most favorite hobby was golfing, taking after his father.  When he wasn’t busy working you would often find him out on the course.   In 1998, Anne and he moved to Henderson, NV and purchased a home in a golfing community where he golfed several times a week.

Later in life, when his health was failing, Roger became a puzzler.  He enjoyed working on them and enjoyed the company of other’s helping him. He never lost his sense of humor an even when his memory was failing he wouldn’t forget his one liners.

We feel fortunate to have celebrated his 90th birthday back in June of 2024.  It allowed all his friends and family to celebrate his life with the man himself in attendance.  What an amazing party and what great (Grater) memories were shared and created.

A graveside service will be held at the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Cemetery in Las Vegas, NV on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:20 a.m. Roger will be buried alongside his precious wife Anne.  Friends and family are invited and welcome to join us that morning.