Mary Elizabeth Roberts

Mary Elizabeth Roberts passed away peacefully at an incredible 99 years of age. She was born in 1924 to Margaret and Jake Spor in Orrick, MO. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and her grandson Ben Sparks.

Mary lived in Pratt, Kansas for many years with her five children, where she also worked and volunteered at the Pratt Co. Hospital. Mary had a love for traveling and camping in their 5th wheel, visiting various states and national parks with friends and family. She enjoyed having her children and their friends join them on their trips to camp and spend time on the lake, sharing fun and food around the campfire.

Mary delighted her family with her exceptional cooking and baking—learning the skill as both an art and a necessity, growing up on a farm. She made the best fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, chocolate pie, Texas sheet cake, and macaroni and cheese that any of us have ever eaten. Her recipes are highly coveted, handed down, and requested often. She had the brimming gift of hospitality, welcoming others into the home, sharing a meal, smile, joke, or encouraging word.

Mary really enjoyed her family and friends, all games, card games, board games, dominos, cribbage, really anything that was fun or entertaining. She loved to teach others how to play, having wonderful patience teaching grandchildren and great-grandchildren (lots of do-overs allowed), and always sought games that worked the brain. Her love of cards trickled down through 4 generations, most recently winning over her great grandson who learned to play the game of “golf”—soon to beat us all.

Out of her many skills and talents, the greatest was her constant presence, availability, and love for her family. The thing she did best was imparting a sense of generosity, connection, and importance to all she met. She asked great questions, showed a rare and true interest in people, and left them feeling special and like they mattered.

Her number one love was her God, Jehovah. She was highly connected to her congregation of Jehovah’s Witness brothers and sisters. She went out in service well into her 80’s, participated in Zoom calls weekly and was affectionately referred to as “Grandma” by her congregation. Her community showed her boundless warmth, and her faith gave her a great sense of purpose and hope up until her last days. She embodied her faith both in devotion and love, and shared it whenever she could.

Mary leaves her five children: Dr. Larry Beamer (Debbie Haynes) of Wichita, KS, Diane Sparks (Mike) of Leawood, KS, Jake Beamer (Lorraine) of Boiling Spring Lakes, NC, Patty Beamer of Wichita, KS, Buck Walters (Beth) of Pratt, KS. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be Sunday, March 10, 2024 @ 1:00pm at the Redbridge Kingdom Hall, located at 13120 Locust St, KC, MO. There will be a reception following the service at Mission Lake Club House, 123rd and Holmes Rd, KC, MO.

Service will be available to view online through zoom 20 minutes before service.

Meeting ID: 864 0668 8100

Passcode: 758910

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