Phyllis Mignon Roberts

Phyllis was born in Fresno, California. Growing up, she lived on various oil pipeline relay stations in the Central Valley, including Tipton, Pixley, Firebaugh and Madera. She spent the later part of her childhood in Kerman and graduated from Kerman High School.

She attended Fresno State University where she earned her Bachelor's and Masters' Degrees and her teaching credential. Phyllis also holds an Honorary AA Degree from West Hills College.

In 1950, she moved to Coalinga to teach elementary school. Shortly thereafter, she met her future husband William (Bill) Roberts, who was a member of a ranching family that first settled in the area in 1876. Bill and Phyllis met when a mutual friend thought it would be fun to introduce them because they both had the same last name. They were married on July 4, 1952 and celebrated their reception at the family cattle ranch in Jacalitos Canyon.

Phyllis had a forty year career teaching elementary school, including grades 2, 4, 5, 6, and combination grades 4-5 and 5-6. Phyllis taught hundreds of students spanning multiple generations in some families. As a teacher she tirelessly challenged all of her students. In many cases, this expectation of excellence taught her students that they were far more capable than they previously imagined. While she often said it was not good to expect too much from a student, it was far more damaging to expect too little.

In retirement, she was a Supervising Teacher for alternative education classes, including English as a second language, GED students, and students making up high school courses.

Phyllis was a master gardener and maintained a beautiful yard at her home on California Street for more than 50 years. She loved animals and kept a wide ranging collection of dogs, cats, birds and fish.

Phyllis was also an active member of Project Coalinga, the Coalinga Women's Club, and consistently lobbied for and supported projects that would improve the quality of life in Coalinga.

Phyllis was is tireless booster of education. She sponsored several scholarships for Coalinga High seniors, provided major support to West Hills College, and was an energetic backer of local education bond measures. Phyllis was also a fixture at high school and college sporting events.

Phyllis is survived by her sons Victor and his wife Leslie, and Marc and his wife Lisa and her four grandchildren, Kevin, Erin, Lauren and Diana.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Henry (Harry) Lincoln Roberts, Cecile Marsh Roberts, and her husband William Clyde Roberts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on June 25 at 1pm at the Presbyterian Church at 475 Sunset Street in Coalinga. Friends and family are encouraged to attend our celebration with a short reception to follow in the fellowship hall.