Flora Mae Nance ROBERTS

1926 - 2015

ROBERTS, Flora Mae
Nance
Flora Mae Roberts passed peacefully from this world on February 15, 2015 surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Flora was born on March 31, 1926 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. She was a descendent of the pioneer Nance family with roots in Kyle, Texas. Her father was a member of the first graduating class of San Marcos Baptist Academy and her mother was a longtime pianist at the Annette Duval School of Dance. Flora was raised in Austin and Kyle and graduated from high school at age 16 as the valedictorian of her class at Kyle High School. Two years later she married Robert Roy Ferguson, a young Air Force pilot, and over the next dozen years they traveled the world with their growing family. Her husband Bob lost his life while flying a non-combat mission in 1957, leaving Flora widowed with three children.

In 1962, she married State Representative Wesley Roberts, and they lived in his West Texas district for the next few years before settling permanently in Austin when he became a lobbyist. They had two children and were married for 45 years before Wes's death in 2007.

Flora's house always felt like HOME. Her grandchildren couldn't wait to visit and be with her. She had an uncommon classical beauty, unaffected by age, that was recognized by those who met her. This was a trait complimented by her kindness, strength of character and devotion to her family. She loved playing golf, a sport she took up while Bob was stationed in the Philippines, and made many friends playing golf and tennis at Onion Creek Country Club where she lived for the last 40 years.

Flora was raised in the Baptist church and believed in the power of the Lord. She studied the Bible and died knowing that God's promise would be revealed to her. Her comfort to the end was the Lord's Prayer.

We are especially thankful for our sister, Lida Lee, who lovingly and unselfishly lived with and cared for her mother in her last years. Additionally we thank Nena for her gentle care and presence.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents, Hardy and Dorothy Nance and her sister Dottie. She is survived by her brother Thomas Nance, Jr. and his wife Midge; daughter Suzanna Klingemann and husband Carol; son, Scott Ferguson; daughter, Julie Sayers and husband Scotty; son, Charlie Roberts and wife Veronica; and daughter, Lida Lee Roberts. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Texas State Cemetery at 909 Navasota in Austin at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 21st. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of the Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota, Austin 78702, Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin 78759 or The Shepherd's Chapel, PO Box 416, Gravette, AR 72736.

Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com