Mary Elba Roberts

MARY ELBA ROBERTS, age 87, of Maple Park, passed away at her home, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family on Monday, October 3, 2011. BORN: She was born December 3, 1923 in Checotah, OK, the daughter of Thomas and Vera (Needham) Brown. EARLY YEARS:Elba grew up Checotah and graduated from local schools. MARRIAGE: Elba was lucky in love early in life when she was united in marriage to Wayne Roberts, a boy who lived down the road. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their new life together farming side by side for a time before moving from Checotah to Weletka, OK in 1950. Eight years later, they moved again, this time to Illinois where they made a home in Sugar Grove on Jericho Rd. In the years that followed, they moved to Kanveville for a few years before settling in Maple Park in 1977. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:In addition to farming, Elba tried her hand at teaching, cooking and later manufacturing. MEMBERSHIPS: Elba, along with Wayne, were members of the American Quarter Horse Association and they both enjoyed trips with the Fox Valley Trail Riders Association.LIFE NOTES: Elba had a loving heart that cared for many but it always had room for her two favorite things, her beloved Chicago Cubs as well as professional wrestling which she refused to believe was fake. Her hands were kind and careful, skilled at caring but also diligent while making quilts, blankets, doilies and more that she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook but also had a enough "spice" to keep things interesting by playing practical jokes and scaring unsuspecting family members. SURVIVORS: She is survived by three children:Dorlis Roberts, Tommy (June) Roberts and Janet Roberts;12 grandchildren;19 great-grandchildren;3 great-great grandchildren with another along the way;Two siblings:Hershel Brown, Edna Cooper,Many nieces, nephews and friends. PRECEDED:She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne, one son Truman and seven siblings. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be Friday, October 7, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119, from 10 a.m. to noon followed directly by a graveside service with Rev. Mark Harkness of Kaneville United Methodist Church officiating and at East Pierce Cemetery. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name to benefit DeKalb Hospice. Checks may be made to the "Mary Roberts" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Friday, October 7, 2011, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119, from 10 a.m. to noon followed directly by a graveside service with Rev. Mark Harkness of the Kaneville United Methodist Chruch officiating at East Pierce Cemetery, in Maple Park.

Graveside service with Rev. Mark Harknss of Kaneville United Methodist Church officiating at East Pierce Cemetery, in Maple Park