Funeral Service: Friday, February 3, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus
Interment: will follow in the family lot in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus
Laura M. Roberts, age 96, of Broadus, MT passed away on Monday, January 30, 2006 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Laura, a true pioneer, was born in Minneola, Iowa, to Gustav and Clara (Kay) Deitchler. Since the Deitchlers only spoke German, when Laura started first grade, she could not understand a word of English. She quickly learned English and continued her education in Iowa until her family moved to Hemingford, NE in 1920. After completing the eighth grade, she stayed at home to help raise her younger siblings. In 1981, Laura earned her high school diploma by passing the GED on her first attempt without studying.
On November 30, 1927, Laura married Russell Roberts and they had eight children, starting with Leonard in 1928 and ending with Greg in 1954. Between the two boys, six girls were born: Lucille, Margaret, Darlene, Janice, Linda and Debbie. They farmed near Hemingford, primarily raising potatoes and managed to scrape by in the 1930s by selling cream. In 1946, Russell and Laura moved to Powder River County and purchased the Jim Catti ranch near Boyes. Except for a few years living near Ismay, MT in the 1970s, she has lived in Powder River County since 1946.As matriarch of a large family, Laura kept busy over the years attending sporting events, social functions and family celebrations. Very few sporting events occurred at Powder River County High School without Laura as a spectator. She also delighted in engaging in any type of competitive card or board game. Very few family members have accepted the challenge of attempting to upset the undisputed Scrabble champion. Years of working crossword puzzles had given her the added edge. She had often said, I dont care if I win or not, but I sure dont play to lose! Laura volunteered at the historical museum and nursing home, and was a member of the 500 card club and was active in the Senior Citizens. Over the years Laura has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., taking in 49 states and absorbed as much historical information as she could. Laura was famous for her cooking. Family get-togethers usually meant a batch of hot cinnamon rolls for all to share!
Laura is survived by her daughter-in-law Honey Roberts of Broadus, MT, son-in-law Don Haas of Hemingford, NE, daughter Margaret (Willis) Tipton of Billings, Jan (Lowell) Davis of Rapid City, SD; Linda (George) Morella of Broadus, MT, Deb (Gordon) Archer of Olive, MT, Greg (Mary Jo) Roberts of Terry, MT; sisters; Dolly Huff of Marysville, WA; Alta Wismiller of Alliance, NE, 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Russell Roberts, son Leonard Roberts, her daughters, Lucille Haas and Darlene Yarger; granddaughter Sandy Sinkie, brothers; Leo, Don, Floyd, Baldy, Ken and Buster.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3, 2006 at 2:00 pm at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
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