Betty Ann Roberts

Betty Ann Roberts, age 88, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019, with her family by her side at home in Albuquerque, NM. She was a ray of sunshine to all her knew her, and had a kind, positive, and independent spirit. She will be deeply missed by the family she so loved.

Born Sunday, August 10, 1930 to Mary L. Selby and William D. Caster, she lived most of her life in New Mexico. She grew up in Vaughn, Duran, Las Vegas, El Rito and Tatum, then attended New Mexico Highlands University, where she met and married her beloved Phil Roberts in 1950. The couple moved to Clayton, where their children were born, and then moved to Roswell, where they resided for 38 years.

Betty worked as a kindergarten teacher at Trinity Methodist preschool, and as a secretary at Berrendo Middle School. She was an active member of P.E.O. and Story League and was an avid antique collector.

After living in Roswell for 38 years, she and Phil moved to Tucson, AZ, where they spent 21 years. There, Betty was active in P.E.O. Chapter BB, and both she and Phil were active at Desert Skies Methodist Church and the Arizona Polish Club (even though they were not of Polish descent—which they laughed about).

Betty and Phil adored their many friends and stayed active in their communities well into their later years. They loved their family and their dogs and were welcoming to all who came to their home—which was always beautifully decorated by Betty.

They returned to New Mexico, moving to Albuquerque, in late 2016. Phil preceded Betty in death in July 2018.

She is survived by her son, Philip Dee Roberts and his wife, Cathy; her daughter, Tamye Roberts Smith and her husband, Stephen; her grandchildren, Kori Roberts Scott, Emmily Roberts Yohalem, Eli Roberts, Harlan Jacob Roberts, Isaac Cody Smith and Julia Selby Smith; her step-grandchildren, Lani Steffens, and Brad Steffens; her “adopted” granddaughter, Laurie Hoffman and by 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue, LTD., (www.enchantmentrescueltd.com), who has kindly taken in Betty’s adored dog, Meka.