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Toni Marie Ethington Roberts

Toni Roberts Obituary

MT STERLING - Toni Marie Ethington Roberts, 52, wife of L. William Roberts, MD passed away Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Toni was born in Simpsonville, KY. She is the youngest of four daughters born to Nancy and Elmo Ethington of Simpsonville, KY. Toni attended Eastern Kentucky University where she received her B.S.R.N. degree in 1978. She began working as a critical care nurse at the University of Kentucky Hospital where she met her husband, Bill. The two were married in June of 1980. They moved to Mt. Sterling, KY where Bill opened his practice and Toni worked as his nurse until retiring to stay at home with their three daughters. Toni was a very energetic individual who enjoyed numerous activities with her friends and family such as boating, hiking, snow skiing, scuba diving, playing tennis and traveling. She was also a devoted member to Gateway Christian Church and served on the board of Peoples Exchange Bank. Toni most recently devoted her time to writing a book entitled "It's Okay: Living and Loving Through Cancer," which she hopes will provide strength and spiritual encouragement to others who are struggling with cancer. She was a beautiful, spiritual woman who truly served as an inspiration for many during her battles with cancer and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Bill, their three daughters, Jenifer Steger and Kimberly Roberts of Mt. Sterling, KY, and Stephanie Roberts of Lexington, KY, and her grandson, Will Steger. Toni also leaves behind her parents, Nancy and Elmo Ethington, and sisters, Terry Ethington of Simponsville, KY, Pat Cariss of Shelbyville, KY, and Lynn Land of Georgetown, KY, as well as her mother and father-in-law, Bill and Jean Roberts of Ashland, KY and sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Bill Castle, also of Ashland. Her family would like to thank the many wonderful friends who played such a special role in her life, providing us with great memories of good times and great comfort during our most difficult times. Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at Gateway Christian Church in Mt. Sterling by Glenn Emery. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Wed, Feb 11 at Taul Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling, KY. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Feb. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Toni Roberts

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cheryl walz

February 6, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you this week especially. Hope everyone is doing great!

bev kendall

February 15, 2009

Dear Dr. Bill and family, How wonderful that Toni lives on vibrantly in the hearts of all those touched by her gracious life. These are hard days, I know. But more and more, I can hear Toni whisper - - It's OK. Keep on walking in the faith that kept Toni in peace until she literally fell into the arms of Jesus.

cheryl walz

February 14, 2009

Toni was like a sister to me in so many ways. I will never forget her or the day she went to meet our Lord because it was my birthday. I will second everything everyone has said about my special friend. It is all so true. Although she will not be standing by our side, she will always be in our hearts. To the girls-Isn't it nice God blessed you with such a special Momma, one who believed in her girls through thick and thin and who treasured them so much. What a wonderful example of a fine, Godly woman she has been to you. To Bill, what a soul mate and I knew it the minute she first met you. God truely blessed you. Although we never have our loved ones as long as we want to, it is so special that you found your soul mate and had 28 years with her. And to Pat, Terri, Nancy and Elmo- I am so thankful I got to meet all of you through Toni. May God comfort all of you during this difficult time of not having Toni standing here beside us, but may we all rejoice that she is no longer in pain and with our Lord. I love you all.

Lodema Bailey

February 14, 2009

Toni was a very special person she will be missed by all that knew her. We don't always understand why things happen but God has a plan for all and in time we will understand.
God Bless you all, my prayers are with you.

Emily Durrett

February 12, 2009

As a member of your extended family--I am Nancy's cousin--I want you to know my heart has been with you all thru these trying times. My thoughts will continue to be with you as you rebuild your lives without Toni. She will be greatly missed but she has left a great foundation for you to build on.

Steve & Joanie Hale

February 12, 2009

We are very sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Laddie and Charlene Tackett

February 12, 2009

Bill, Charlene and I are so sorry. Toni was a special person and her smile will forever be etched in our memories. Words are so inadequate.

Please know that you and your family are loved and are in our thoughts and prayers. Draw comfort in knowing that Toni now sees the face and is in the presence of the one in whom she has believed.

Bill, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Kimberly, may ‘The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!’ (NAB, Numbers 6:24-26).

We love you,

Laddie & Charlene

Mary and Jim Boyd

February 12, 2009

Pat and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Toni's passing. May her light shine on through those she touched.

Sharon and Addrian Turley

February 12, 2009

Bill and girls Adrian and I are very sorry for your losee, Toni was a beautiful person and we thought a lot of her, our prayers are with you all at this time, may god bless each of you. Sharon and Adrian Turley, Bartow, Florida

Wendy Ison

February 12, 2009

Such a wonderful person and her book was such a blessing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Kevin Cockrell

February 11, 2009

Toni was a very special person and an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact.

Bill, although I am out of town and unable to offer my condolences to you and the girls in person, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

May God bless, keep and comfort each of you.

Matt Griggs

February 11, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the Lord bless you, keep you and above all, give you peace.
Matt and Kelly Griggs

Pam and Larry Ritchie

February 11, 2009

Bill and the girls,
My heart breaks for you all as I know how hard it is to lose someone that you love so much. Toni had an effect on everyone she met. Her smile was contagious and her compassion was great and most of all her love for her Lord and family was abounding.Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Billie Faye Garcia

February 11, 2009

To all the family, I heard Dr. Roberts and Toni's great testimony of God's Healing when they spoke at my church a few years ago. It was so good and God truly used them in ministry with their story not only when I heard them, but also everytime and in every way their story was told. Even though the illness returned, I know that He gave them strength and once again He received much glory from their journey. To be used of Our Heavenly Father is indeed an honor! My prayer is for His strength and comfort for you all in the immediate days to come and for all the days in the future. With love, Billie Faye Garcia

Emily Cockrell

February 11, 2009

Toni was one of the most remarkable persons I have ever met. She was always upscale, energetic, kind, and always took the time to give you time. What a great inspiration she was and legacy she is leaving for all her family and friends. She will be greatly missed!!!

Lindsey Burdine Davis

February 11, 2009

Toni was truly an inspiration her book is a testament to that. She raised three very wonderful, very generous and devoted daughters who share the same fire and energy for life she had. It was a privelage to know her, she will truly be missed.

Joyce Colliver

February 11, 2009

I have you all in my prayers, I offer my strength to help you through this difficult time. I don't have to tell you how special Toni was to many, I just want to let you know she was quiet the jewel, and always the same when ever you saw her. She has left knowing that her family is strong and has the faith in God to live each day with God's love in your hearts. Go to him for all your needs.

Georgia Ensor, Bereavement Coordinator

February 11, 2009

To the family of Toni Roberts,

You are in the thoughts and prayers of the St. Claire Hospice staff.

Kelley Orme Beverley

February 11, 2009

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lacy Gross

February 11, 2009

Toni was an inspiration to all who knew and heard her story. We know how difficult this has been and will continue to be for you all. We will continue to hold your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Phil and Lacy Gross

Dea/Larry George

February 11, 2009

I met Toni while doing a video for the Women's Health Forum. I called her to ask her to participate in the video & she graciously accepted. I was so glad she became a part of that group of women in that video.
My husband & I heard the circuit talk at First Baptist Church & found it to be encourgaging & spiritual.
I have read the book & felt like I was a part of her life.
She is one of the most spiritual women I have met in my life. It has made me realize I need to strengthen my faith.
Thank You Toni for being a part of our life here on Earth. She is in Heaven with wonderful women like my Mother.
Your family is in our thoughts & prayers.

Denise Bryant

February 11, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Toni was a very special daughter of our Lord and King.
John, Denise and Anna Bryant

Rick Fields

February 11, 2009

Although I am too far away to be with you in person, rest assured my prayers are with your family. Toni was an iinspiration to all of us. God bless you. Rick Fields

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