Marguerite Rohrer Roberts
Daily Journal/Aug 26, 2005 

FARMINGTON - The greatness of a person is said to be measured by the void they leave in passing. We have experienced this void in the passing of one of Farmington's oldest and most respected citizens who lived among us, Marguerite (Margie) Rohrer Roberts.

Marguerite Rohrer Roberts was born February 24, 1905 in Bourbon, Missouri. She was the first born child of the late John Rohrer and Mary Etta Harrison Rohrer. Mrs. Roberts was preceded in death by four sisters, Geraldine Nall, Hazel Macon, Emma Johnston, Frances Agner and one brother, John Rohrer. Marguerite enjoyed a storybook childhood in the small hamlet of Bourbon where her father organized the Bank of Bourbon in 1904 and retired in his 80's. Like her Mother, Marguerite was known for her hospitality and devotion to her family, church and community. Marguerite began piano lessons at age six and music played an important part in her life. She played for the Bourbon Methodist Church, summer resorts, silent movies and gave piano lessons as a young girl. As Bourbon had no high school, after completing her elementary years, she attended school in Sullivan three years and graduated from Steelville High School. She graduated from Springfield Normal College and taught first and second grades for three years in Bourbon.

On October 30, 1926, Marguerite Rohrer and Raymond Silas Roberts were wed at her parent's home in Bourbon, Missouri beneath a leafed canopy in accord with the autumn season. Marguerite was preceded in death by her dearly beloved husband, Attorney Raymond Silas Roberts on August 1, 1969, and two loving sons who were also attorneys: John Richard Roberts, May 15, 1975 and Raymond Rohrer Roberts, February 1, 1985. Her youngest son, Clinton Harrison Roberts practices law and lives in Farmington with his wife, Jeannie Roberts. In 1966 when Clinton was admitted to the bar, Raymond Sr. was the only attorney in the state of Missouri who had three sons admitted to practice.

Marguerite and Raymond Roberts moved to Farmington in 1928 after Mr. Roberts read law under the late Sigmond Bass in St. Louis and was admitted to the bar. Mrs. Roberts was active in many civic and political organizations throughout her life and loved to reminisce about her involvement with her husband's political career. Mrs. Roberts received her letter of acceptance to the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution on June 3, 1931. She was a member of Chapter HJ, P.E.O, Fortnightly Club and received a Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri Life Membership in 1972. As church was a great part of her life, when she moved to Farmington, she became a member of the United Methodist Church and was a leader in the UMC Women's group. She was the family historian. It was she, who, with pride, provided a link with the past that now is broken.

Mrs. Roberts is survived by three daughters in law, Ruth McHaney Roberts of Jefferson City, Missouri, Mary Blackwell Roberts of San Diego, California and Jeannie Spencer Roberts of Farmington, Missouri. She leaves eight dear grandchildren, John Richard Roberts, Jr. of Florida; Dr. Raymond Rohrer Roberts, Jr. and wife Sally of New Jersey; Ruth Amanda (Roberts) Newton and husband, Rev. David Newton of Mississippi,; Dr. Jonathan McHaney Roberts and wife, Dr. Sangeeta Roberts of Jefferson City, Missouri; Cynthia Jean (Roberts) Dunn and husband Dennis of Farmington, Missouri; James Harrison Roberts of Farmington, Missouri; Rebecca Rohrer Roberts of Farmington, Missouri; Richard Spencer Roberts of Reston, Virginia; and thirteen beloved great grandchildren. Her immediate family and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and dear friends have witnessed the passing of Marguerite Rohrer Roberts who by the goodness of God had lived among us 100 years.

Friends may call at the home of Clinton and Jeannie Roberts from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2005. A funeral service will be held at the Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. with Dr. David Webster officiating. Burial will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel.