Irene V. Roberts
June 29, 1911 - Jan 25, 2005

This is my grandma Irene. She passed away on January 25, 2005. She was at home in her own bed surrounded by her family and she went peacefully. I wanted to make this webpage to remember her always. Growing up she always sang the song "You Are My Sunshine" and that is the one playing.

The following is the eulogy read at her funeral. I feel it tells everything special about my grandma. The eulogy was written by a close friend of the family Sherry McDonald, growing up we always called her "Big Sherry" because she was older than my cousin Sherri and we didn't want to mix them up. I thank her for the beautiful words she wrote for grandma.

On June 29, 1911 an amazing soul graced this earth. It would be a great injustice if we mourned her death rather than celebrate her life.

Irene Roberts had a humble beginning having been born on an oak dining table at her home in Seattle.

She met her one true love Reese Roberts and married October 29, 1929. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters Margaret, Judy and Janis.

In 1945 they fullfilled the American dream of becoming business owners when they purchased the Way West Motel in Seatttle. For the next 59 years it not only became a home but a way of life for all. Many fun times were had there. I should know, Reese and Irene game my family a fresh start providing a job and a home for us when we relocated to Seattle from Maryland.

Holidays were especially fun for Irene she loved having family around. But fear not, even when they could not be there Irene would let no Easter egg go un-decorated.

One of Irene's favorite places to visit was their beach house. Her grandchildren remember sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows and hot dogs and singing songs like "Shine on Harvest Moon" and "You are My Sunshine".

Speaking of music Irene loved just about anything that came on the radio but big band and christian won hands down. She even had a flair for rap music but only when performed by her grandson Nick.

Irene had a special love for life, she was always upbeat, busy and had a smile on her face even in times of trial and hardship. Her motto was "Never Give up Never Quit!". For 93 years she held true to that.

One of her greatest joys was her children and grandchildren, she was by far her happiest when they were around. One thing all the kids remember is the LOUD kisses she smothered them with. Her other loves, just to name a few were, her books, frogs and her french poodles Pierre, Jocko 1, Jocko 2 and celery and radishes.

It was as if Irene knew her time was nearing an end and she accepted Jesus into her heart as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized on May 26, 2004.

We know this is a special graduation day for Irene and from her perpective she can say,"If you could see me now, I am walking on streets of gold. If you could see me now I am standing tall and whole. If you could see me now you would know I have seen his face. If you could see me now you would know the pain is erased. You would never want me to leave this perfect perfect place. If you could only see me now".(Grandma was involved in a car accident when she was 30, she was paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors told her she wouldn't live to be 50, she surpassed all their expectations with a smile on her face)

Irene leaves behind her sister Elaine, two daughters Jan and Judy. Her grandchildren Sherri and husband Terry and their children Sean, Sarah, and Ryan, Max and his children Joshua and Steven and Joshua's son Davon, Kim and her husband Radford and Colleen and her husband Chance and their children Nick, Jeremy, Matthew, Tiffany, Amber, Jessica and Chris. She also leaves behind beloved caretakers Jan and Anita. As well as numerous friends who will miss her dearly.

In closing we asked her family what they thought Irene may say if she were to come back today. This is what they said.

"Sorry for all of the envelopes.
"Focus Focus Focus"
"Encourage christianity"
"What's for dinner?"
"I am so glad the two of you are happy!"
"Tax time again."
"You really should get married."
"What a trip I had to heaven!"
"Did you get your job?"
"How ya doing, what's going on?"
"I still have your picture on the wall."
"I kept the faith, I ran the race and I stayed the course."

Good-bye mom, we love you, kiss Daddy and Margie for us, one day we will meet again!