Libby Roat

Elizabeth J. Roat, "Libby", age 72, of Onaway, died on Tuesday July 18, 2023 at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alpena. Born in Onaway on June 29, 1951, Libby was the daughter of Russell and Olive (Buchanan) Hayner. She was raised in Onaway, graduated from Onaway High School in 1969, and lived most of her life in the Onaway area.
With her love of children, it is no wonder that Libby worked as a bus driver for the Head Start Program in the Onaway area and was a classroom "grandma" at the Onaway Elementary School. Strong in her faith, she was a longtime member of the Onaway 7th Day Adventist Church where she was devoted to her church family and rarely missed worship or church gatherings. Being raised in a family that enjoyed outdoor activities, Libby's love for the outdoors, particularly, her love for camping, continued throughout her life with her favorite campsites being at Clear Lake and Tomahawk. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting, often making clothing for her family as well as hats, scarves, and blankets.
Libby had a deep love for her family. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and siblings. Her helpful, kind, and gentle spirit will be sadly missed by her daughter, Lisa (Scott) Aguirre of Rochester Hills; son, Mitchell (Danielle) Roat of Onaway; and nine grandchildren, Alyssa, Lydia, Garrett, Landon, Asher, Kayson, Shelby, Brooklynne, and Lincoln. Libby also leaves her siblings, Russell (Debbie) Hayner of Atlanta, Judith Bancroft, Margi (Wayne) Berry, Lynn (Melinda) Hayner, and Jeremy (Sandy) Hayner, all of Onaway; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held at the Onaway 7th Day Adventist Church on Friday July 21, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until the time of the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Pastor Jim Nephew will officiate. Libby's final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Elizabeth Roat to her family to help with expenses.