Diana Roberts, 87, passed gently from this life to the next on February 10, 2019 with her husband of 65 years at her side. She spent her life caring for her family and others and leaves countless lives touched for the better.
She was born in Whittier, California on May 26, 1931 and spent her early years there. Following a brush with fame as the runner-up in The Miss Shirley Temple contest in L.A., she came to Texas at a young age. Growing up in Oak Cliff, she graduated from Sunset High School and attended Southern Methodist University where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She was a member of Kessler Park Methodist Church where her future husband spotted her, sat down beside her, and put far more than he could afford into the collection plate to try to make an impression. They were married less than two years later.
Diana spent the next several decades as a homemaker and hostess, wife and friend, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She gave her all without ever asking for favors in return and built a wonderful life for Jack and their two sons.
The Roberts' home was always gracious and welcoming under her wing, whether it be for Jack's colleagues from SMU or a howling pack of Cub Scouts from the local YMCA. With two rambunctious boys, she fulfilled roles from cook to coach (and often referee), chauffeur to mentor, nurse to impromptu ambulance driver, all with a smile and without complaint. To the end, she would delight in seeing old friends of the boys or hearing about them.
She was a little lady with a lot of grit. She beat breast cancer, healed from several broken bones, battled symptoms of MS, and survived a dirt bike misadventure under the tutelage of a son. Equally at home in Richardson or on the family farm, she was truly a woman for all seasons.
Diana was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Rice, stepfather, Ralph D. Rice, and daughter-in-law Susan Roberts. Left with wonderful memories are her husband, Jack Roberts; son, Bill Roberts; granddaughter Melissa Torrez and husband Patrick with great grandchildren Leah and Elliott; son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Becky Roberts; granddaughter Lauren and husband Chris Boyles with great granddaughter Lily; granddaughter Kaelin and husband Tanner Anderson with great grandchildren Maddox, Benson, and Ellasyn; and granddaughter Elizabeth with great granddaughter Olivia. Niece Brenda Roberts was a favorite and an indispensable helper for the last few years. In-laws John and Phyllis Roberts, with niece Susan Wangler and nephew Alan Roberts, were cherished family. Cousins Carolyn Miracle, Virginia Allen and Dixon Miracle of Ovilla, Texas, and Shirley Port of La Mirada, California, were childhood companions and lifelong friends. A host of close friends join in celebrating her life, along with the congregation of First United Methodist Church of Richardson where she was a member for 54 years.
Mom was one of a vanishing breed, someone who dedicated her life and sacrificed her needs for the benefit of those she so fully loved. While we can never repay those debts, we can rejoice that she made us all more whole and the world a much better and happier place.
A celebration of Diana's life will be held later this spring.
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