Emma Sarah Roberts died on March 12, 2016 at her home in Echo at the age of 86 surrounded by her family.
She was born on July 13, 1929 at Poverty Flats on Cabbage Hill, east of Pendleton, to Lester and Ina Palmer Shafer. Emma attended school on Poverty Flats before moving in with her grandma in Pendleton and graduating from Pendleton High School. She was well known for training and breaking horses in the Pendleton and Hermiston areas. Emma met Jack Roberts when his brother went to borrow money from Dad to take Mom out. Dad rode up on a horse, Mom thought my tall handsome cowboy until he stepped off the horse. She married Jack W. Roberts on July 10, 1958 in Waitsburg, Wash.
They lived in Adams until 1961 when they moved to Echo, Oregon where she has lived since. Emma worked at the Pendleton Woolen Mills for 25 years, never missing a day of work. The last 10 years of Jack’s life he drove her to and from work. It did not matter the age, all loved spending time on the well known front porch. You could always find Emma drinking a cold one and visiting with her family and friends. She enjoyed puzzles and gardening.
She is survived by her children: Kenny & Debbie Roberts, Jerry & Marie Roberts, Tracie & Jake Broyles, Sunnie & Bill Wright, & Alvin Roberts; friends and neighbors: Sheryl Morris and son Justin Morris who Emma thought of as a grandson; sister: Ruth Mead; 20 grandchildren and twin great-grandchildren.
Emma was preceded in death by her husband: Jack Roberts; son: Sheldon Rodney Roberts; and her parents.
A private burial was held at the Echo Cemetery.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.
