Florence Roberts

Florence V. Roberts passed away on January 3, 2008 at the Rosewood Care Center in Independence, MO. She was born on January 19, 1917 in Wethersfield, IL (now Kewanee) to Louis and Lyda Richards Mursener. She had one older brother, Myron (Mike). She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and husband Haydn Roberts in 2000, after nearly 61 years of marriage.
Florence attended Wethersfield schools where she was selected for the National Honor Society and won the American Legion Award. Although offered a music scholarship to Knox College, she attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA, where she was voted “Prettiest Girl on Campus.” She taught school in Kewanee, IL and Edwardsville, IL. In June 1939, she was united in marriage to Haydn Roberts. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen and husband, J. Richard Green of Independence, MO; a son, Michael, of Lee’s Summit, MO; two grandchildren: John Brian Green and wife Judy of Bartlesville, OK and Ann Green of St. Louis; three great-grandchildren: Laura, Patrick, and Kristin Green; and nieces and nephews.
Florence was gifted with musical talents. She began playing the piano at a young age, and won piano contests in Illinois; she also had a two-year course of study in piano at the University Course Extension in Chicago. As a member of the Community of Christ Church, she served many congregations as organist for almost 70 years. She was known for her thoughtful selection of music and conscientious preparation, which always made the services in which she played especially meaningful. Florence and Haydn made many friends in the congregations in which they lived; Kewanee, IL, Normal, IL, Edwardsville, IL, and Zionsville, IN.
Flowers were another great love. Her home was always surrounded by them, and they continued to bring her pleasure even when dementia had taken away so much from her. She was a member of the Zionsville, IN Garden Club. Christmas was always a favorite holiday and her children’s and grandchildren’s homes are filled with her special handmade ornaments. She also made beautiful quilts, and the most beautiful were the hand-carded wool ones made on her mother’s frames, which are still keeping her children warm at night.
The family would like to send their appreciation to all the staff at the Groves who provided loving care in her final years.
A Memorial Service is planned on Saturday, January 19, 2008, her 91st Birthday, at 10:30 AM at the Groves Community Room. The family will greet friends at 10:00 AM. Inurnment will be in Mound Grove Cemetery at a later date.