Obituary of Ethel M. Roberts

Ethel M. Roberts, 94, passed away peacefully at 3:05 pm on Monday, October 27, 2014 at Proctor Place in Peoria where she had resided the past 12 years. She was born May 20, 1920 in South Bend, Indiana to Henry F. and Bertha J. (Schemanske) Shultz. She graduated 7th in the Riley High School class of 1938. During World War II she was employed as an Executive Secretary at the Studebaker Motor Company. She married Alfred G. Roberts in South Bend on October 21, 1942 and they enjoyed almost 52 happy years until his passing in 1994. Al and Ethel lived in South Bend, Elgin, and Danville, Illinois before coming to Peoria in 1958 where Al served as CEO of the W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America until he retired in 1977. Their 17 years of retirement together were filled with family, friends, travel, golf, and gardening. Ethel was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who could always be counted upon to greet guests with a welcoming smile. She was also quick to volunteer as a school room mother, Cub Scout Den Mother, or Girl Scout leader. At her encouragement, all of her sons became Eagle Scouts. She was extremely well organized and could put together a party or impromptu meal for a houseful of guests on a moment's notice and make it look as if it was no trouble at all. For more than 20 years she was employed at Retail Credit Company, later knows as Equifax. She was a clerical whiz who could type rapidly and take short-hand. Few could match her in terms of productivity. Her co-workers nick-named her "Sunshine" for her upbeat and cheerful disposition. Even at home she could never stand to be idle for long. When she finally sat down at the end of her day she would take up her knitting, crocheting, quilting, or sewing, producing sweaters and clothing for herself, her daughters, and granddaughters. She took pride in her own appearance and always looked her best. She was confirmed in her faith at age 14 and was a member of First Baptist Church for more than 55 years where she sang in the choir. She was a member of American Baptist Women, and especially loved playing the piano for the first grade Sunday School classes. She never missed a Sunday! The family would like to especially like to thank the staff at Proctor Place Shepherd's Way for their devoted and loving care. They will truly miss "Miss Ethel." Ethel is survived by four children: Dan (Melody) Roberts of Peoria, Kay (Bill) Griffin of Cary, North Carolina, Dale (Karen) Roberts of Sugar Grove, Rosie (Tom) Kouri of Peoria, and one sister, Bernice Miller of Paw Paw Michigan. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Christopher (Kate) Roberts, Megan (Dale) Losher, Geoff (Julie) Bloom, Michael (Desiree) Griffin, Stefanie Harger, Tim Roberts, Ryan (Keren) Roberts, Anthony (Alissa) Kouri, Alyssa Kouri, and Maria Kouri, four great-grandchildren, and 10 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, Douglas, in 1975, one brother, and two sisters. A funeral service for Ethel will be held at First Baptist Church located at 411 W. Lake Ave. in Peoria on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 12:00 noon. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church or to the W.D. Boyce Council, Boy Scouts of America. Ethel's online memorial website may be viewed at www.hurdfamilyfunerals.com