Mary McRoberts

(From Peterson Funeral Chapel)

Mary McRoberts, 82, passed away on May 6, 2026, at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri.

Mary was born on March 1, 1944 in Butler County, Missouri — missing being a leap year baby by just one day.

She spent nearly 30 years working for Missouri Gas Energy, where she became known for her remarkable work ethic, reliability, and deep knowledge of her job. Her coworkers often turned to her for help and guidance, and she was proud of the fact that she rarely, if ever, missed a day of work.

Mary will be remembered for her stubborn spirit, feisty personality, and sharp sense of humor. She loved discovering new restaurants — sometimes ones others may have considered a little questionable — and always enjoyed the adventure that came with trying something new. Mary also loved road trips and was always ready to get in the car and go somewhere new.

Mary was fiercely independent and never afraid to tackle a project herself. If something in the house needed repaired, she would research it, figure it out, and fix it on her own. Even into her seventies, she remained incredibly active and hardworking. At 70 years old, she spent two days shoveling four tons of landscaping rock, something that perfectly captured her toughness, determination, and refusal to slow down.

More than anything, she loved spending time with her family, especially playing ball in the backyard with her grandchildren. She remained physically active throughout much of her life and especially loved tennis. Some of her family’s favorite memories are of watching her compete in tennis leagues while living in Aurora, where her determination and competitive spirit were always on display.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Valerie Linger of Grain Valley; her son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Gail McRoberts of West Lafayette; grandchildren Samuel Linger III of Fairview Heights, Katie McRoberts of Louisville, Andrew McRoberts and Bennett McRoberts of West Lafayette; and sisters Helen Murray of Monett, and Carol Davis of Buffalo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fannie Mae and Claude Martin Davis; sisters Anna Mae Maples, Julia “Sissy” Perkins, Betty Pettit, Shirley Davis, and Cathye Davis; and brother James “Buster” Davis.

Mary’s family will remember her for her toughness, independence, humor, and the love she showed in her own unmistakable way.

Graveside services will be held at Maple Park Cemetery on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 10:00am under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.