Marlys Jean Roberts

On June 7, 2022, just a year and a day after her husband Buss passed, Marlys passed away peacefully at Rockwood at Whitworth under Hospice care. Born June 11, 1932 in St Paul, Minnesota to Swedish and German parents, together with her older brother Donald, she enjoyed a tight-knit extended family. Marlys graduated from the University of Minnesota, then made her way to Sun Valley, Idaho where she met her husband, Kenneth ‘Buss’ Roberts. They were married in 1954 and moved to Spokane, Washington for work. They built their home on Wandermere Golf Course in the newly established ‘Pine River Park’, raised their family and enjoyed life.

Marlys was a first grade teacher at Linwood Elementary before devoting herself to her young family. She was also a Camp Fire Girls leader, a Boy Scouts leader, member of garden clubs and bridge clubs.

While earning her education degree, Marlys took ceramics and jewelry making classes, and continued with those and many other creative persuits throughout her life. She loved gardening, sewing, and never tired of playing cards. She also loved the hunt in any shopping expedition and was an excellent slueth. Together with her husband, they enjoyed tackling a do-it-yourself project; rebuilding both a ski place at Schweitzer and a lake place at Priest Lake to enjoy. In the 70’s, she and her husband purchased an Allied Van Lines agency and both worked there until they retired. They skied into their 70s and 80s, and enjoyed countless summers and lazy weekends at the lake with family.

Marlys is survived by her 3 children: Marga Powell (Craig), Karla Roberts (Kingsley Parker) and Todd (Jamie Stewart), 6 grandchildren (Marshall, Ame, Skyler, Jadelyn, Abbie and Cooper) and 4 great grandchildren and 2 great step-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister in-law, Dorothy Holmgren and 2 nephews.

A private family memorial will be held later this summer. We want to thank Rockwood at Whitworth for their compassionate care these last 11 months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Roberts family.