Myrtle Roberts passed away peacefully on July 1, 2024. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be missed by all who knew her.
Myrtle was born on Oct. 14, 1929, in Leeds, North Dakota, the fourth of eight children born to Richard “Dick” and Laura (Gilligan) Violet. She moved to Washington state when she was 18 and settled in Chehalis when she was in her 20s. She was married to Warren Roberts for 52 years. They enjoyed a long retirement together and traveled extensively.
Myrtle was a gifted artist and woman of many talents and interests. She worked as a bookkeeper for Darigold Dairy Co. for many years and Gibbs and Olson, Civil Engineers. She also worked for the Employment Security Department for Washington state. After she retired, she attended Centralia Beauty College and after receiving her license opened her own beauty salon called "Hair Capers." She later became an instructor at Centralia Beauty College. She also volunteered for The Centralia Playhouse as a hair and makeup artist for the actors.
Myrtle was passionate about sewing and taught her daughters and nieces and granddaughters how to sew. She was an accomplished seamstress and could make anything from wedding dresses to men's suits. She taught classes in how to use sergers for a company in Longview, Washington, and loved embroidery.
Myrtle was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Chehalis, Washington, and for many years taught catechism to first and second graders. She was also active as a volunteer at church functions.
Myrtle loved her family, and they are devastated by her loss. She is survived by her husband, Warren; her sons, Jack (Charlene) White and James (Ginny) Jack; and her daughters Lynette (Bob) Brooks and Janet (Louis) Richardson. She was predeceased by her daughters Diane (Bill) Richardson and Marilyn White. She has 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Guy and brother George Violet, with whom she always kept close family ties.
A funeral service will be held for family and friends on July 26 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chehalis. The Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m. and a funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Claquato Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Centralia Christian Church.
