Edna "Joan" Roberts

On March 29, 2025 Joan (Love) Roberts, 87, entered her Heavenly Home.

She was born on December 6, 1937, in Mexico, Missouri, to Edna Mae (Walker) and Robert Paul Love. In addition to her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her three siblings, Carroll Love, Connie Hoover, and Lawrence Love, as well as her brother-in-law, Darrell (Connie) Hoover.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Thomas Roberts, as well as her loving children: Michael (Carol) Roberts, Pam (Robert) Wolverton, and Wynee (Randy) Akers. In addition, she is cherished and remembered by her sisters-in-law, Gloria (Carroll) Love and Sue (Lawrence) Love, and her dear cousin, Barb Woolfolk. Joan was blessed with thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren (affectionately known as "The Greats"), who brought her immense joy.

After living most of her life in Mexico, MO, Joan spent the remainder of her years in Sedalia, MO. She lived at Primrose Retirement Community and E.W. Thompson Health Center, where she received wonderful care and was loved by the staff.

Joan was a Woman of Faith. She began each day with Bible readings and prayer, keeping a daily journal for years. She once wrote, "There is not a day of my life that I don't go to God for guidance or forgiveness." As she became weaker and her vision faded, she wrote, "When I ask God for strength, He always gets me through somehow." She found great comfort in her favorite scriptures, Psalm 139:7-13.

Joan was a member of Union Baptist Church in Mexico, where she was a pianist and organist for several years. Sunday School, Girls in Action, and Vacation Bible School were areas in which Joan served in the church. For a number of years, she also served as the secretary/treasurer of Union Chapel Cemetery Association. After moving to Sedalia, she attended New Hope Baptist Church.

She graduated Mexico High School in 1955. On September 5, 1956 Thomas and Joan were joined in marriage. Their love story began when Tom caught her attention by throwing paper wads at her— a moment that sparked a lifetime together. After almost 70 years together, they were rarely apart.

Joan had a strong work ethic. She went to work as a telephone operator the day after she graduated high school. She continued this until the phone company went dial. She later worked as a secretary at McMillan School, where the students affectionately called her the "Typing Principal." Joan eventually became a legal secretary at Edwards, Seigfreid, Runge Law Office, working alongside Andy Runge, whom she deeply respected. At the age of 62, she retired, allowing her and Tom to spend winters in Texas.

In her early years, Joan enjoyed attending the Audrain County Fair. She especially enjoyed horse shows and riding the "wild horses" on the carousel. Later, she found joy in traveling and was an excellent co-pilot for Tom on their road trips. She loved scenic drives, particularly those filled with beautiful trees. She could often be found drinking her coffee and eating something sweet while watching a good mystery.

Before her eyesight failed her, Joan enjoyed reading, sewing, and playing computer games. She was a "techy" grandma who was even known to enjoy a good game of Nintendo. The grandchildren have fond memories of weeks spent at Grandma's house.

Joan's dad often told her she could do anything she put her mind to. That proved to be very true as she was fiercely independent. There is no doubt that Joan came from a long line of stubbornness. This is a trait she has passed down to others (who shall remain nameless).

While Joan will be deeply missed, there is great comfort in knowing she is now with her Savior, feasting at Heaven's Banquet Table—especially the dessert table!

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico, MO. A dessert fellowship will be at Union Baptist Church immediately following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Union Chapel Cemetery or to a charity of your choice. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.