Jessie Roberts

On January 10, 2025, Heaven gained our sweet mother, Jessie Marie Walker Roberts. She was born on September 27, 1933, to Bernard and Iva Walker in Beaver, Utah, where she was a lifelong resident. Jessie fell in love with her sweetheart, Sheldon Roberts, when she was in the 10th grade. Six years later, shortly after Sheldon returned from serving in the Korean War in Japan, they were married in the St. George Temple on March 9, 1954.
Together, they had five children: Shelley, Kent (who died hours after birth), John, Steve (who passed away at age 18, alongside Sheldon, in an untimely farm accident in 1980). and Melinda. At the age of 10, Emmaline Bitsie joined their family through the Indian Placement Program.
Throughout her life, Jessie was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous capacities, including as President of the Young Women's organization at age 19 and again in her 60s, as well as President and Counselor of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations. She was also a ward librarian, genealogical name extractor, and ward genealogy representative, and she taught inspirational lessons in all areas. Jessie had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel, and the focus of her entire life was to live by its principles.
Jessie was deeply involved in community service. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Utah State Library Board, the State Dairy Wives Committee, the State 4-H Leadermete Committee, the Local Interagency Committee, the Domestic Violence Coalition, and the Substance Abuse Coalition for Beaver County. She was honored as the Outstanding Utah Domestic Violence Coordinator and named Grand Marshall of the Beaver County Fair.
In her professional life, Jessie worked at various local businesses, including Beaver Drug Store, Annabelle's Grocery Store, Beaver County Extension Service, Murdock's Grocery Store, and as secretary for Milne Truck Lines. She also worked at family-owned businesses: Milady's Style Shop, High Country Gas and Goodies, Roberts Brothers Dairy with her husband, and J & J Enterprises. Jessie was also the Victim Services Coordinator for Beaver County for 20 years, retiring at age 85. She found great fulfillment in helping victims of various crimes. Additionally, she served as a Judge of Election from the time she could vote until well into her 80s. Jessie was very patriotic and instilled her love for America in her children.
After graduating from Beaver High School, Jessie attended "The BYU" with her best friend, Joyce McQuarrie (Joseph). Their time in Provo created many wonderful memories and laughter that lasted throughout their lives. Jessie worked at the BYU library while attending school, and her love for BYU ran deep. She was an avid fan of BYU's football and basketball teams and also enjoyed following the sports teams from Beaver High School.
Jessie will be remembered for her compassionate and caring nature, her honesty, and her unwavering commitment to those she loved. She had a special fondness for her two flocked Christmas trees and cherished everything about Christmas. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, growing beautiful flowers, traveling, and spending time with her family. She often reminisced with pleasure about the days spent with her husband and children at home. Nothing was more important to her than her faith and her family.
We can only imagine the beautiful reunion she is having with her sweetheart, who has been gone for 44 years, her sons, parents, and dear friends.
Jessie is survived by her children; Shelley Brown (Jim) Beaver, Utah, John Roberts (Suzanne) Pocatello, Idaho, Melinda Lundberg (Daryl) River Heights, Utah, and Emmaline McKendree (Don) St. George, Utah, 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and her brother, Melvin Walker.
We are deeply grateful for the wonderful care provided by the nurses and doctors who cared for Jessie throughout her life, especially in her final years. Thank you for your kind service to her and to our family.
A viewing will be held on Friday evening, January 17th, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary, 195 North 200 West, Beaver, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Beaver First Ward building, 15 North 100 West, Beaver. A viewing will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Mountain View Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To view a livestream of the service and share online condolences please visit www.mortuary.org.