Obituary of Esther Elizabeth Roberts

Esther Elizabeth Roberts, 96 of Port Richey, FL passed away on May 30, 2024. She was the eighth of ten children born to Swedish immigrants Gottfried and Olga Carlson. A former resident of Livingston Manor, NY, she grew up on the family farm during the Great Depression and attended the one-room schoolhouse in Shandelee. Her family loved music and played many instruments which inspired Esther and her sister Bernie to perform. While Esther would play the guitar, they learned to sing together in beautiful harmony. Esther was a graduate of the Livingston Manor Central School class of 1944.

She was married to Ralph Guy Roberts for over 25 years. Esther and Ralph both held their careers in the Sullivan County National Bank until he predeceased her in 1977. Upon her retirement in 1983, she enjoyed traveling to the sunny south and soon became a “snowbird” with her sisters, Vickie and Toots. By 1989 she was a full time Florida resident and enjoyed a comfortable life among relatives, friends and the Florida sunshine. Her Florida home brought frequent visits from her family. Distance didn’t keep them apart and she loved them and all their friends immensely. Esther would prepare for her company’s arrival with a “welcome stew” or her delicious chicken salad and Publix marble rye bread. The welcome table would be beautifully set with her finest dinnerware. For the rest of the trip, it was paper plates. Good times were always had at “Grandma Esther’s.” Whether it was gathering on the patio, enjoying the pool or attending Florida’s hottest attractions and beaches, many fond memories remain for all who spent time with her in Florida. Esther and her sister Vickie were very close throughout their years.They spent countless afternoons working on the puzzle at Vickie’s place until they were well into their nineties.

In addition to her husband and parents, Esther was predeceased by all of her siblings and their spouses: five brothers: Walt, Bob, John, Hutch and Dave; four sisters: Toots, Vickie, Bernie and Beattie; and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children: Jeff (LuAnne) and Jane (Gary), four grandchildren: Erik (Silvia) Alys, Ashley (Dustin) and Tiffany (Brandon); six great grandchildren: Skyelar, Ayla, Esti, Halle, Reid and Sophie; one brother-in-law John (Marion) Roberts, and Len her handyman, her beloved cat GiGi, and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Esther’s ashes will be interred in the Lew Beach Cemetery. A graveside service will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Esther’s family wishes to thank the staff and residents at Jennifer Gardens Assisted Living facility for their utmost care and compassion during her stay.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the St. Jude Children’s research hospital at stjude.org.

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