Deloris D. Roberts, 79, passed away at Porthaven Care Center in Portland, Oregon, with members of her family by her side on June 30, 2008.
An evening Vigil Service and praying of the Rosary is planned for 7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Anderson's Tribute Center. Funeral Rites will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2008 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Excerpts of this obituary are taken from an autobiography Deloris wrote May 8, 1947 for her senior English class.
“I was born on May 2, 1929 in Hackensack (Minnesota to Warren W. and Helen {Coleman} Phillips). I can’t remember much that I did when I was small, except running away from home a couple of times.” “ I used to help my folks plant a garden when I was small or should I say unplant? I was always pulling up the onions and taking a bite out of them and then sticking them back in the ground. In spite of this they did grow.”
Deloris lived in Minnesota until 1943 when, "My mother and my two little brothers and I left on August 29th for Hood River" (following her father who had gone before the family). "I haven’t seen too much of Oregon so far. I don’t especially like it here but I guess it’s okay when it doesn’t rain. I prefer the level country to the mountains, but I like the trees here. They remind me of back home."
Deloris learned to love Hood River even when it rained. On November 29, 1947 she married Doyle Edgar Roberts and they were blessed with five children.
Doyle was a police officer and later chief of police for Hood River. Deloris was a very active wife and homemaker. In addition to raising five children she worked outside of the home for Diamond Fruit Growers and later as a bookkeeper for Selby's Appliance which became Western Auto.
Deloris enjoyed reading, gardening, doing puzzles and spending time with her family and friends.
Deloris was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic parish. She was a devout Catholic and loving parent. Her husband Doyle passed away on March 17, 2001. Deloris lived at home until her health made it necessary to move to Hawks Ridge for several years and more recently to Porthaven Care Center.
In addition to her parents and husband, Deloris was preceded in death by her brother Charles Phillips.
Deloris is survived and will be dearly missed by, two sons, Chris Roberts of The Dalles, Oregon and Tim Roberts of Camas, Washington; three daughters, Karen Asbury of Portland, Oregon, Patricia Roberts-Hasenbalg of Salem, Oregon and Susan Ratliff of Hood River, Oregon; four grandchildren, Ryan Asbury, Bobby Asbury, Brian Ratliff and Katelyn Ratliff; sisters, Margaret Gehrig of Hood River and Catherine Crapper of Klickitat; and two brothers, Warren Phillips of Oakridge, Oregon and Edmund Phillips of Lea, Minnesota and many nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces.
Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in memory of Deloris and sent care of Anderson’s Tribute Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family. www.andersonstributecenter.com