Ingrid Roetherdt, 82, of Sebastian, passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Ilka, friend Holli Delaporte and her dog Jewel by her side.
She is survived by her daughter Ilka Daniel; grandson Richard Daniel; great-grandchildren Richard Daniel and Alexia Daniel; and nieces Ilka Lee and Marika Cooper.
Her husband Hubert Roetherdt preceded her in death by 10 days.
Roetherdt was born May 6, 1932, in Wiesbaden, Germany to Emil and Sofie Marschall. Her early career began with the Bundespostbetriebs Krakenkasse in Frankfurt/Main. She spent her youth exploring the Rhine River in her kayak.
On Sept. 6, 1952, Ingrid married her childhood sweetheart, Hubert Roetherdt. In May of 1959 Ingrid, Hubert, their daughter Ilka along with Emil and Sofie immigrated to the United States to escape the terrors of war torn Germany and to seek a better life in McLean, Va.
She soon began her career with Marriott Hotels. She took immense pride in belonging to the Marriott task force opening new hotels throughout the country with her husband Hubert. Their combined careers soon had them moving to Chicago, Ill., and Bucks County Penn.
In the early 1970s, Roetherdt left the corporate world to pursue the family’s dream of immersing themselves in the world of the Arabian horse. Ingrid, Hubert and their daughter Ilka founded Scimitarra Arabian Horse Farm, featuring the renowned stallion Amurath Cossack. Their farm was located in Manassas Va.
Roetherdt became involved with the Virginia Arabian Horse Association and devoted her life to her beloved horses, caring for her parents and educating others in the humane treatment of animals. Her farm became refuge to countless homeless dogs and cats that were able to live out their lives with Roetherdt’s love and kindness. She postponed her move to Sebastian in 2004 until each of her beloved horses had found their final resting place in the comfort of their own home.
Her passions included summers at Rehoboth Beach, Del., with dear friends, German crossword puzzles, crocheting blankets for family, friends and for the animals at the Humane Society of Vero Beach. In her spare time, she was the consummate shopper.
Memorial contributions in Ingrid’s honor may be made to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County located at 6230 77th St. Vero Beach, Florida 32967. Online memorials may be made at Seawinds Funeral Home website: www.seawindsfh.com. Friends are invited to share a celebration of life in honor of both Ingrid and Hubert on March 21, 2015 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Roetherdt home.
