Mabel Elva Roberts

MABEL ELVA ROBERTS Mabel Elva Roberts a resident of Bolivar, passed away at 12:35 AM Monday, December 8, 2008 at the Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility in Bolivar after a long illness. She was born on October 10, 1905 near Star Ridge, Missouri and was the second child of Robert Walker and Nancy (Carroll) Walker. She was 103 years, 1 month, and 29 days of age. She spent her childhood in several locations in Northeastern Polk County. She spoke of walking to school and crossing Lindley Creek at a ford in the river. In times of high water the Walker Children crossed the creek by means of a rope bridge one at a time. The family dog dashed back and forth escorting each child across. She was converted at an ealy age and was a life long member of the Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church. She was the Card Class Sunday School teacher for preschoolers many years and remained active in the church for as long as circumstances allowed. On December 23, 1928 she married Fred Payne Roberts, a union that lasted for more than 60 years. They began their married life in a new cabin by the river on the Amos Roberts farm. The first of the Roberts brothers to start housekeeping in what became known as the 'weaning house'. After a few years, Mabel and Fred moved to their lifelong home just north of Polk, MO. There she was a partner on their farm, helping with the turkeys they raised for many years. She was especially talented at caring for the young turkey poults. Mabel love to garden and as long as she was able had an early garden in the spring. Her cupboards were always full of home canned fruits and vegetables which she generously shared with her children, grandchildren and others. Mabel was active in community activites. She was a 4-H leader while her sons were involved in the local 4-H Club. She was always ready to help her family and neighbors in times of sickness. She helped care for her Mother, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law in their final illnesses. For ten years, she lovingly cared for Fred as he slowly succumbed to the ravages of a stroke. After his death in 1991, she moved to Butterfield Residential Care Center in Bolivar. She made many new friends among the staff and residents during her six year stay. She took part in all the activities; enjoying the trips, the games, and visiting. She especially liked the Sunday School and Church Services that she attended. She moved to the Citizens Memorial Nursing Home on Locust Street in 1997 at the age of 92. Due to poor health and a severe hearing loss, she did not participate in activities as she once had, but she did earn the love and respect of many who cared for her and of other residents. Many people love 'The Little Lady'. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; an infant son, Robert Wandel Roberts; five brothers, Russell Walker, Virgil Walker, Creed Walker, Herschell Walker and two sisters, Zula Ingles and Opal Root. Survivors include her two sons, Denzil and wife Donna Jean and Wendell and wife Gayle both of Bolivar; one sister, Jewell Roberts of Polk, brothers-in-law Leslie Roberts and wife Elta, Ester Roberts and wife Nadine, sisters-in-law Bernice Walker and Bertha Perriman; four grandchildren; Ronnie Roberts and wife Lori, Cheryl Hinkle and husband Ronnie, Susan Prewett and husband Kevin, Timothy Roberts and wife Melissa; also ten great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends all of whom feel blessed to have been a part of her life. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Glenn Roberts officiating. Music was provided by Melissa Roberts, Pianist, playing "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Amazing Grace" and the Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church Choir singing "Precious Memories" with Valinda Roberts as the Pianist. Burial was in the Payne Cemetery at Polk, MO under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Casketbearers were Ronnie Roberts, Ronnie Hinkle, Tanner Roberts,Timothy Roberts, Velbert Walker, Larry Ingles, Kelly Roberts, William Russell Walker, Kenton Ingles, and Donald Jump. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be made to the Sentinel Missionary Baptist Church % Butler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 11, Bolivar, MO 65613 PDF Printable Version

Mabel Elva Roberts

October 10, 1905 - December 8, 2008