Roxanne Marie Hey, 70, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully at home on June 14, 2026.

She was born on August 30, 1955, in Waukegan, Illinois, to Phyllis Goodrich. She came to La Crosse in 1966 and later attended Central High School. Roxanne married Dave Hey on August 20, 1983, at Wesley United Methodist Church in La Crosse, where they both worked. Throughout her time in La Crosse, Roxanne formed friendships that remained meaningful throughout her life.

Caring for others wasn’t just part of Roxie’s work—it was part of who she was. Among her many roles, she served as a live-in caretaker for elderly individuals in the area. Over the years, she also opened her heart and home to children and young people who needed an extra hand, including providing a home for the young daughter of a friend during a difficult and prolonged period. Roxie believed that kindness mattered and quietly helped others without seeking recognition, consistently showing up for those who needed her.

For the past decade, Roxie and her partner, Lyle Marsh, shared a life built on quiet companionship and steady devotion, filling their days with books, movies, and music, and caring for their beloved cat, Otis.

Her compassion extended beyond people. A lifelong animal lover, Roxie opened her heart and home to countless dogs and cats, several guinea pigs, and even a bird or two, always finding room for those in need. Among her most cherished companions were dogs Sol and Bluto and cats Sybil and, of course, Otis.

Nature was another of Roxie’s great pleasures. She found peace in the outdoors, in the wildlife she encountered there, and in nature’s simple, quiet comfort. Time spent appreciating the natural world provided both joy and solace throughout her life.

An avid reader, Roxie especially enjoyed thriller, suspense, and supernatural stories, and rarely passed up the chance to enjoy a Stephen King book or movie. She could often be found with a book close at hand. Her taste in music and movies was just as wide-ranging, from ‘60s classics to new discoveries, and her media collection — books, DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs, cassettes, even 8‑track tapes — was a testament to a lifetime of curiosity. Roxie also enjoyed expressing herself through clothing and jewelry. She appreciated pieces that reflected her personality — distinctive, full of character, and never flashy.

Roxie faced significant challenges early in life, experiences that later shaped her deep empathy and quiet determination to help others. She met others without judgment, and whether caring for an animal in need, offering support to a friend, or extending a quiet act of kindness, she touched many lives simply by being who she was. She will be remembered for her generous heart, deep love of animals, and willingness to show up for others when it mattered most.

She is survived by her partner, Lyle Marsh; her mother, Phyllis Goodrich; longtime friend and former mother‑in‑law, Ida Hey; her siblings, Earl Goodrich and Patty Schleuter; her sister‑in‑law, Nikki Goodrich; “foster” daughter, Erica; and many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Esther Drecoll; her brother, Phil Goodrich; her former father‑in‑law, Philip Hey; and many beloved animal companions who brought her joy throughout the years.

A gathering of remembrance will be held on August 29, 2026, from mid‑afternoon into the evening at King’s Korner, at the corner of 8th and Farnam Streets in La Crosse. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate Roxie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred for organizations supporting animal welfare or children in need, or for efforts that improve the lives of animals or children.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.