Obituary of Barbara Jean Roberts

BARBARA JEAN ROBERTS Loving wife, mother and grandmother, Barbara Jean Roberts, passed away October 17, 2011, surrounded with love by her adoring family after a two-month battle with cancer. Our hearts ache trying to imagine a world without this amazing woman. She was loved by all who were graced by her presence. Barbara was born September 19, 1933, to Eula and Martin Crouse, in Galesburg, Illinois. When she was 15 the family moved to Selah, Washington where she graduated from Selah High School in 1951. At 18, she married Dale Werner and loved being part of the wonderful Werner family. Dale and Barbara made their home in Grandview, Washington where they lovingly raised their five children and became involved in the community. Barbara tragically became a widow at 36 and showed strength and devotion in raising her five children. She was active in Blessed Sacrament Church, enjoyed being a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother, and later worked at Catholic Family and Child Services. She met and married Ralph Roberts in 1977 and moved to Camas, Washington. She worked at Riverview Bank and became a loving mother to Ralph's five children and a devoted grandmother to her 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She loved crocheting and each family member was blessed with hand-made christening gowns and afghans. She was a devoted Catholic and lived her life by example, becoming an inspiration and blessing to all who knew her. She especially enjoyed spending time with her three siblings and the laughter at family gatherings was infectious. Barbara is survived by her husband, Ralph Roberts; daughters Leta Phil Robillard, Janell Kevin McCartin, Kristine Steve Lorenz; sons Pat Ruth Werner and Mike Julie Werner; stepdaughters Cyndy Glen Burns, Jeanne Chuck Stadler, Melanie George Knecht; stepsons Joey Hanson and Ralph Roberts, Jr.; siblings Joan Don Kalkofen, Sandra Peterson, Marty Emily Crouse, and Julie Millsap; and her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Rosary will be held at Straub's Funeral Home in Camas this Friday, October 21, at 5:00. Viewing will be at Straub's Friday from 10:00 - 5:00. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00, on Saturday, October 22nd, at Holy Redeemer Church, in Vancouver. Burial will follow at the Fern Prairie Cemetery in Camas at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Redeemer Church, in Vancouver. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.