Russell Hill Roberts

1937 - 2023

Russell Hill Roberts

Toronto, Ontario -- Russell Hill Roberts, a noted Fredericksburg, Virginia attorney, volunteer, and father, passed away on August 29, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario. He was predeceased by his parents Clark Blackwell Roberts and Mary Alice Roberts and his wife of 56 years, Martha Young Roberts. He is survived by his wife, Rosalyn Stephens, his sister, Mary Roberts Judkins, two daughters, Victoria Roberts Valmain and Mary Ashton Yarmy, as well as nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Russ was loved for, among many things, his gregarious and generous nature.

Russ practiced law in the Fredericksburg area from 1963 until 2013. Professionally, Russ contributed his time and legal acumen to numerous law organizations including serving as president of the Fredericksburg Area Bar Association, Virginia Association of Defense Attorneys, and Association of Defense Trial Attorneys. He has received the distinguished honor of being selected as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Russ's youth was spent mostly in Kentucky and Virginia, but he fondly spoke of the time he spent as a very young boy in Cuba. After graduating from Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, he received undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia. Russ married Fredericksburg native Martha Young and began his law career and his family in Fredericksburg.

Local institutions such as the University of Mary Washington, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, and St. George's Episcopal Church relied on Russ as a leader and volunteer.

Russ fancied himself as an outdoorsman, and that he was. He greatly enjoyed fly fishing and did so with a classic style. He also enjoyed upland bird hunting and was a great compliment to the sport.

After retirement, Russ spent winters in Key Largo, Florida. After Martha's passing in 2017, Russ married Rosalyn Stephens, a Torontonian who also escaped cold winters in Key Largo.

A celebration of Russ's life will be held at St. George's Episcopal Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Russ's family suggests donations to St. George's Episcopal Church or The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region.