Ada Marie was born in Mountain View, Missouri on September 16, 1921 to Soverign and Josephine Friend, who preceded her in death. After graduating high school, Marie moved to St. Louis to work cleaning houses. A short while after moving to St. Louis, Marie met the love of her life, her husband, Howard A. Roberts. The two were married on October 4, 1940 and were blessed with more than 52 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on July 1, 1993.
Marie was the devoted mother of the late Carolyn Russo and mother-in-law of Mike Russo; loving grandmother of Liz Blanton (Ross), Mike Russo, Joe Russo, and Toni Grapenthin (Allen); treasured great grandmother of Benjamin Blanton, Amanda Blanton, Jordyn Theohar, Devon Grapenthin, Payton Russo, and Gianna Grapenthin; dearest sister of Bill Friend, and 3 additional brothers & 1 sister who are deceased; and close friend of Gloria Lehmen. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
Marie loved being a stay-at-home wife and mother for most of her life. She would do anything for her husband, children, and grandchildren, and always made sure to be there for family whenever she was needed. She was also very proud of the work that she did in her younger years as a Meat Packer for Kroger Foods. In her free time, Marie enjoyed quilting, sewing, gardening and traveling. She was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a regular patron of the local casino. She went to the casino every Monday where she would play Black Jack, Poker, and the quarter slots, and maybe even sip on a cocktail or two. Marie will be remembered as a strong and independent lady who had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a truly loving and caring heart. She was greatly loved by her family and her hard working hands will be missed.
The family would like to thank the staff of Windsor Estates of St. Charles as well as the staff of Vitas Hospice for their wonderful care of Marie.
Memorial donations may be made in Ada Marie’s name to St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
