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Martha Roberts Obituary
Martha Roberts
May 22, 1954 - Nov. 11, 2023
CORVALLIS - Martha Roberts, known to her friends and family as Marty, was born May 22, 1954, and died suddenly on November 11, 2023, to the grief of many.
She was born in Medford, OR, graduated from Grant high school in Portland, and earned a B.S. degree in Forestry from Oregon State University in Corvallis.
She worked at OSU in several positions, the last several years before her retirement as an administrator in the College of Forestry.
She was known for her friendly disposition, her love of gardening and all things connected to the natural environment, her love of hiking and traveling, and her commitment to the well-being of others.
For years she was an avid folk dancer and established long-term international friendships through dancing. She generously donated to various service and health organizations, and since her retirement was an active volunteer at a local thrift shop, at the public library, and doing various other charity works. She will be greatly missed by her life partner Bill Ayres and their extended family, her mother Bobbie Roberts, her step-mother Joyce Roberts, her sisters Debbie Roberts and Sue Kazama and their spouses, her many nieces and nephews, and her friends far and near.
A memorial service will be held at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library on Sunday, November 26, at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be sent to Linn-Benton Food Share.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Roberts
3 Entries
Reverend Kathy Swift Hjelm
August 10, 2024
Marty and I sang together in Choir and in district vocal solo duets. She is so gifted in many things and I will miss her.... Condolences to her family. You are the best Marty!!! See ya later...until we meet again.....
Kenneth Kirkpatrick
July 17, 2024
In 1980, Marty taught me how to dance jitterbug and worked out a routine that included multiple
aerial maneuvers. She and I performed and demonstrated this routine for several years. At one point a student in Kathy Kerr´s dance class jokingly asked if we could demonstrate the hip-sits, stratal and head-stand in slow motion. Marty and I looked at each other for a split second, before, then did as requested.
I have danced jitterbug with great enthusiasm ever since, teaching my partners the steps and maneuvers Mary taught me.
She lives forever in my memory.
Thank you, Paul for the picture.
Kenneth Kirkpatrick, Madison, WI
Paul Kemp
November 19, 2023
Marty and CB (Carolyn Brown) were my roommates in a tiny house (the Abodelet) in 1978/9 or thereabouts. We were part of the folk dance community, and they attended our wedding. I am glad to know that she lived a full life and shared my love of hiking, nature, and gardening. Rest in Peace, Marty.
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