Roberta Joy Roberts, age 86, of LaBelle, Missouri, passed away Thursday, November 12, 2009, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.
She was born in Lewis County, Missouri on March 14, 1923, the daughter of James Benson and Elizabeth Gertrude Bailey Roberts.
Roberta was preceded in death by her parents, and one infant sister Ruby Carol Roberts. Surviving are cousins, Jane Bailey Stephens and husband William of Columbia, Missouri, James Bailey and wife Peggy of Quincy, Illinois, Ruth Miner of Canton, Missouri, and special friends, Ruby Davison and husband Bill, and Emilie Rumble of LaBelle, Missouri.
Roberta was raised in Lewis County where she received her education in rural schools. She was employed for sometime in the Sisk Nursing Home and several years at Krueger Rife Florist in LaBelle. Roberta also wrote a column in the LaBelle Star titled (A Page From The Past) for a number of years. She was a member of the Knox City United Methodist Church and a former member of the Methodist Presbyterian Church of LaBelle and had served as church pianist.
Roberta was a member of the United Methodist Women's Mission unit of the Glory Circle Sisters; a volunteer for O.A.T.S. (Older Adults Transportation Service), a member of the LaBelle community Thursday morning Bible study group. For a couple of years Roberta was a tutor for the First Christian church after school program in LaBelle, Missouri.
Roberta knew the Bible, loved flea markets, feeding birds and squirrels. She was fond of cats, was always baking cookies for people and everyone loved her meatloaf.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009, at the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, Missouri. Reverend Sam Smith will officiate the services. Burial will be in the LaBelle Cemetery.
Music will be provided by Anita Miller, organist and JoAnne Layman, soloist.
Casket bearers will be Fred Layman, James Bailey, Bill Davison, John Golden, Mark Golden, and Hadley Williams.
Visitation will be Monday, November 16, 2009 12 noon till time of services at 2 p.m. in the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, Missouri.
Memorials in memory of Roberta Joy Roberts may be made to Knox City United Methodist Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, Missouri, 63447.