Roberts, Alma – 1923-2009

BENESH, BROWN, BURNETT, DAWSON, FISHER, HAMMEL, ROBERTS

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 6/22/2009 at 09:38:25

KEOKUK —Alma Roberts, 86, of Keokuk passed away at home on Friday, June 5, 2009. She was the mother of Bonnie Roberts Benesh, Newton resident and former Curriculum Director of the Newton Community Schools.
She was born on March 13, 1923, in Hamilton, Ill., the daughter of Thomas Benjamin and Iva Mae Fisher Brown. She was married on Oct. 12, 1940, to the love of her life, Beryl Lamar Roberts and enjoyed his loving companionship for 69 years. After raising her children, she worked as admissions clerk for the Keokuk Area Hospital and as the insurance clerk for Dr. Phillip Lichtenberg. Through the years she was also the accountant for her husband’s auto service business.
She will be remembered as a loving wife and mother and “the world’s best grandma”. She enjoyed most taking care of her family and friends. She loved gardening, travel and sewing and was an excellent cook. She loved life and spending time with her and Beryl’s many friends.
She was an active member of the First Christian Church of Keokuk, participating in many activities including Sunday school teacher, CWF and circle activities. She was a lifetime member and served as the secretary of IOOF Rebekahs, Lodge 13.
She is survived by her husband, Beryl; two children, Richard Lamar of Inver Grove Heights, Minn., and Bonnie Roberts Benesh of Newton and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles; and one sister, Alice Hammel of Keokuk. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Pamela and Tom Roberts of St. Paul, Minn., Joseph Benesh and wife, Jennifer of Miami, Fla., Jared Benesh and wife Erin of Olathe, Kan.; and one great-granddaughter, Kylianna Benesh of Miami.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Iva Mae Brown; one brother, Vincent Brown; two sisters, Bernice Dawson and Mamie Burnett; two brothers who died in childhood; and her daughter-in-law, Pauline Roberts.
Funeral services were on June 10 at the First Christian Church of Keokuk followed by burial in the Keokuk National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Keokuk First Christian Church Memorial Fund.
On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.
Source: Newton Daily News; Tuesday, June 16, 2009