Lillian Elizabeth Roberts

On December 18th 2014, the family of Lillian Elizabeth Roberts bid her farewell as she ended her earthly journey and departed to her promised reward in heaven. Lillian was welcomed into this world on May 30, 1926 by her parents John and Hazel Gray and her older brother Donald. Lillian's parents were well known Kalamazoo area dairy farmers and very active in the farming community and the Kalamazoo County Fair. The Hazel Gray building at the fair ground was dedicated in honor of Lillian's mother, Hazel Gray. Lillian never lost her love or her memories of the farm on which she was born and raised. During her first marriage Lillian gave birth to her oldest son Jerry LeMahieu. On December 23, 1950 she married Robert Roberts. Lillian and Bob lived in the little white frame house on the hill on the corner of G Ave and 2nd St for their entire married life, until Bob passed away on December 20, 1996. In this little house they raised their family Cinda, John, Pam, Robin, and Nancy. Lillian was a "stay-at-home' mom who maintained the household and canned the vegetables Bob raised in his garden which as described by their daughter Robin "was big enough to feed a battalion". Lillian spent most of her last 15 years at Life Care Center in Plainwell where she loved to read and play bingo. Another of her favorite pastimes was to tease all of the caregivers who made her life there so enjoyable and make sure she always had chocolate candy for the staff. They became her family also. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Bob Roberts, brother Donald Gray, and parents John and Hazel Gray. She is survived by sons; Jerry LeMahieu, and John (Deb) Roberts and daughters; Cinda (Jim) Cowen, Pam Deal, Robin (Mark) Lester, and Nancy (John) Boss. She is also survived by sister-in-law Marian Gray, 13 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her very special caregiver, Patrick Spohn. A memorial service is planned for January 2015 at the Life Care Center in Plainwell. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Life Care Center of Plainwell in remembrance of Lillian Roberts.