Florence A. Webster Roberts

Florence Webster Roberts, age 91, of Black Lake, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Brook of Cheboygan on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. She was born in Flint, Michigan on December 16, 1933, the cherished daughter of Chester and Dorothy (Latter) Smith.
In 1953, Florence married Lloyd Webster in Flint, Michigan, where they began their life and started a family. After purchasing the Black Lake Marina, they relocated to Northern Michigan in 1961, settling permanently at Black Lake, a place they had long cherished from visits to the family cottage. Upon settling, Florence dedicated herself to the students of Onaway Elementary School, serving as a beloved teacher's aide. She made a lasting impact with her dedicated, firm, yet compassionate approach. Many former students fondly remember "Mrs. Webster" for her help during classroom lessons, library day, and her presence on the playground.
Florence loved her work and developed wonderful, lifelong friendships with the teachers and fellow aides she worked alongside. After many years of service, positively impacting the lives of countless students and staff, she retired in 1995.
Florence was dedicated to Black Lake, not only as a resident but as a meticulous observer and active community member. Shortly after moving to the lake, she began recording the annual freeze and thaw dates. For 52 years, from 1964 to 2016, she meticulously documented these dates, often enlisting her sons, Dave and Steve, and later her husband, Cliff, to help monitor different locations. Her data became a valuable contribution to ongoing climate research after she connected with Professor Kenton Stewart of the University of Buffalo. Her many years of detailed observations remain an important record for scientists documenting trends toward warmer winters and assessing the resulting impact of lake ice loss.
In addition to her research, Florence was an active participant in the Black Lake Association for many years, serving as a beach representative. She was a mainstay at all meetings and events until she had to stop driving at night. She described the role of a beach rep as "a great way to meet your neighbors and other people from the lake, to make friends, to learn about what's happening, and to do something about it."
Later, Florence met Clifford Roberts at the United Methodist Church in Onaway. Their friendship blossomed through shared passions-their faith, volunteering, and their careers in public education. They were married on December 28, 1996, at the same church, and were blessed with thirteen years of companionship until Clifford's passing in 2009.
Strong in her faith, Florence was a longtime and devoted member of the Onaway United Methodist Church. Her dedication was evident in her consistent presence, her participation in the United Methodist Women, and her beautiful voice in both the church choir and the Onaway Community Choir.
In addition to her steadfast commitment to her church, Florence was deeply committed to her community. She volunteered countless hours with Hospice of the Straits, where her kindness and empathy supported many individuals and families during challenging times. She also dedicated her time to the Cheboygan Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, assisting patients, their families, and staff.
An avid bird watcher, she found great joy tending to her flower garden and traveling. Her admiration for cardinals was legendary, and she was always delighted whenever she spotted one, amassing a cheerful collection of cardinal figurines over the years. Friendly, bubbly, and outgoing, Florence smiled and loved to laugh all the way to the end. She genuinely loved visiting with anyone-no one was a stranger. She was fiercely proud of her family, delighting in sharing stories of their accomplishments, and they all knew they were immensely loved. Her warm smile and cheerful personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.
Florence was preceded in death by her former husband and the father of her children, Lloyd Webster; her husband, Clifford Roberts; her brother, Norbert Smith; and her special friend, Dave Thompson.
She is survived by her daughter, Diane (Tom) Thompson of Williamsburg; her sons, Steve (Pat) Webster of Florence, Oregon, and Dave (Linda) Webster of Black Lake. She is also survived by six beloved grandchildren: Suzanne (Ryan) Betker of Neenah, Wisconsin, Eric (Alisha) Webster of Mound, Minnesota, Katie (Randy) Hoffmeyer of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, Cody (Angie) Nichols of Williamsburg, Lauren (Stuart) Hodgson of Portland, Oregon, and Trevor (Ashley) Thompson of Buckley; and ten great-grandchildren.
Florence's family will welcome friends at Chagnon Funeral Home, 20742 State Street, Onaway, MI 49765 on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, continuing until the start of the Memorial Service at 12:00 Noon. The service will be officiated by her nephew, Marlon Smith. Following the memorial, burial will take place at North Allis Township Cemetery..
For those who wish to honor Florence's memory, the family requests that contributions be made to one of the following organizations: the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund, Hospice of Michigan, or the Cheboygan County Humane Society.