Dorothy E. Roberts 1925-2014

ROBERTS, SIEMON, SEDLACEK, SPROUSE, FELLOWS, JONES, ANDERSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/25/2014 at 12:33:26

Dorothy E. Roberts, 89, of Keosauqua, died July 16, 2014, at home surrounded by her family. She was born March 4, 1925, near Kilbourne, to Frank and Nellie Anderson Siemon and married E. Kendall Roberts June 14, 1944, in Fairfield. They recently enjoyed a celebration of their 70th wedding anniversary with 59 members of their immediate family.

Dorothy was a 1942 Keosauqua High School graduate and received her BSE degree from Northeast Missouri State University, now Truman State at Kirksville, MO. She retired after 23 years of teaching at White Country School, rural Birmingham and in Van Buren elementary centers at Keosauqua and Douds. Although homemaking and teaching were her main occupations, she enjoyed many other professional activities. She was a member of Keosauqua Christian Church and a life member of Beer-Barker Unit 113, American Legion Auxiliary, Keosauqua.

Dorothy's most special moments were the times she had enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved having them visit and kept track of all their activities. She enjoyed quilting and painting pumpkins and was able to continue these hobbies even during her last year of life. She was an avid letter writer and kept in contact with many friends and family members. She had resided in Keosauqua since 1945 and in nearby rural areas during her childhood.

She had been a member of the original Van Buren County Hospital Auxiliary, Van Buren County Hospice Care, Farm Bureau, PTA, Mother's Club and Square Benders Dance Club. She had been Boy and Girl Scout leaders, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and Van Buren County Retired School Personnel. She had held offices in many of these organizations.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Kendell, two sons, Paul (Becky) Roberts of Keosauqua and Alan (Sue) Roberts of Mountain Home, Idaho; two daughters, Maureen (Mark) Sedlacek and Gloria (Rod) Sprouse of Keosauqua; two sisters, Eileen Fellows of Redwood City, CA, and Donna Jean (Robert) Jones of Redding, CA; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Richard Siemon, in infancy.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 21, 2014, at the Pedrick funeral home in Keosauqua with Rev. Ron Follmer officiating. Burial was in the Fellows Cemetery, Keosauqua.

Source: Van Buren County Register; 24 July 2014; pg. A4