Ferne Roberts

(From Daniel Funeral Home)

Ferne Lucille Roberts, age 92, of Lamar, passed away Thursday morning, January 11, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin.

Ferne was born May 4, 1925, at her family home in Boston, Missouri, to Glenn and Tressie (Whicker) Brown. After graduating from Lamar High School in 1943, she attended Pittsburg State College and worked in the drafting department at Finley Engineering. On December 26, 1960, Ferne married the love of her life, Elwood Roberts and they owned and operated Roberts Department Stores on the west side of the Lamar square and in Nevada for many years. Elwood preceded Ferne in death May 7, 2014.

Survivors include a son, David (Teresa) Roberts; two daughters, Carol (Dr. Ted) Reavley and Ann (Judd) Chesnut; and a sister-in-law, Dr. Dorothy Roberts, all of Lamar. Ferne was devoted to her ten grandchildren, Erin (Dr. Mike) Reavley McNaught, Gregg (Ashley) Roberts, Beth (Jeremy) Chesnut Fowler, Dr. Brenton (Kristen) Reavley, Brooke Reavley, Dr. Brian Reavley and fiancé Megan, Lindsey (Jeremy Roberts Pritchard, Jared Chesnut and fiancé, Becca, Adam (Candace) Chesnut, and Shelby Roberts. She adored her 19 great-grandchildren, Shae, Brecken, & Trace Roberts, Zane Reavley, Halle, Claire, Grant & Wyatt McNaught, Heather, Paige, and Lilly Pritchard, Tanner, Teagan, and Tinley Fowler, Andee, Ellee, and Toree Chesnut, Ella and Jackson Reavley.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Ferne freely shared her time, talents, and heart with family and friends. An active member of First Baptist Church in Lamar, she was a leader in the choir and taught Sunday school classes for more than 50 years. Ferne was a past-president of P.E.O. Chapter EP and enjoyed the fellowship around the table at Bridge Club. Fishing and boating with Elwood and making memories with family at the lake gave her much joy. Ferne and Elwood enjoyed many trips abroad and traveled extensively in their motor home. When not traveling, they followed family activities and events, and were awarded “Athletic Supporters of the Year” at Lamar High School.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Lamar First Baptist Church where the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or Gideons International in care of Daniel Funeral Home.