Mary Ann Roberts

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Mary Ann Florence (Smith) Roberts, 98, on April 13 at home, surrounded by family. Mary Ann was born in Tipton, Kansas to Joseph and Elizabeth Feil Smith on December 17, 1927. Mary Ann attended grade school at Sunflower District Country School in Tipton, and Tipton High School until December of 1943. She transferred to St. John’s Catholic High School in Beloit in January 1944, graduating in May 1945. Mary Ann was a thirty-seven-year breast cancer survivor and became the last member of her class to be called home.

Mary Ann and Lloyd G. “Robbie” Roberts were joined in marriage on February 16, 1957, at St. John’s Catholic Church. They built their home and family of 5 children together, including Kathy Weidenhaft, Beloit; Diana Graves (Bob), Kansas City, MO; Joseph Roberts (Tina), Baldwin City, KS; David (Penny) Roberts, Beloit; and Becky (Gary) Fleming, Halstead, KS. Mary Ann’s granddaughters, her lasting legacy, all held a special place in her heart, where she led by example: do not judge; just be kind. She will be missed by Katlyn Roberts, Gardner, KS; Jordan (Josh) Rankin, Manhattan, KS; Jenna Roberts, Manhattan, KS; and Audra (Derek) Ptomey, Ozawkie, KS. She always looked forward to seeing her great grandchildren: Barrett and Charlette Ptomey, and Declan Rankin.

Mary Ann’s lifelong career was serving as a bookkeeper and secretary, beginning soon after graduation; she chose to decline a scholarship to St. Mary’s College in Salina to go straight into the workforce. After learning shorthand and typing from Sister Mary Daniel, she served as the secretary for Mitchell County Superintendent Raleigh Weir through December 1946. She then joined the City of Beloit’s staff and served as Assistant City Clerk for 13 ½ years under City Clerk A.W. Pfaff. After a brief pause to stay home and care for her growing family, she returned to the workforce and joined USD#273 in August of 1968, helping at the Central Office in various capacities before becoming secretary for Superintendent John Bottom. She prided herself on knowing every employee who worked for the district. Her warm smile welcomed all who entered the Central Office. She later became Clerk of the Board of Education. Board members fondly remember her chocolate sheet cake that she would often bring to Monday night meetings. Mary Ann served the school district for 25 years, retiring in August of 1993. At her retirement celebration, Mr. Bottom recalled that when he hired her, she was “ninety pounds soaking wet.” Indeed, Mary Ann was a petite woman, but she had a huge heart. After retirement, she became a full time volunteer—the word “no” was not in her vocabulary.

Mary Ann spent her lifetime serving the community, volunteering in civil and faith-based organizations for most of her adult life. Veterans held a special place in Mary Ann’s heart. For many years, she sold poppies to wear on Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the armed forces. She was a life member of the VFW Auxiliary and held the office of Chaplain and Scholarship Chairperson for Auxiliary #6242 until it disbanded. As Chaplain, Mary Ann participated in the Auxiliary Honor Guard. Mary Ann was also an Election Day volunteer; she was an early adopter and strong believer in the right to vote and considered it her civic duty to help people exercise that right. Mary Ann’s strength and commitment to serve came from her devout Catholic faith. She served as Local Regent and Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Catholic Daughters of America; as a member, she led Rosary services for loved ones of countless families across north central Kansas. Mary Ann was an active member of St John’s Ladies Guild as well, at one time serving as President; she was Treasurer for many years. In addition, she collected information of births, marriages and deaths of St. John’s Alumni to publish in the monthly newsletter. After she retired, she and two of her friends put church bulletins together for St. John’s parish; Mary Ann always enjoyed this weekly social gathering. She also enjoyed volunteering at the MCHHS gift shop.

The Roberts family vacations included trips to the Black Hills in the station wagon nearly every summer once all the kids were old enough to travel. In their later years, Mary Ann and Robbie would often take weekend trips to Salina, and after both retired, they enjoyed bus and train tours together. Mary Ann’s sisters, also known as the “Smith Sisters”, Evelyn (Herman) Hake, Ethel Rita (Ernie) Ludwig, Genevieve (Bob) Brown and Bette Jo (Joe) Morris were lifelong friends and enjoyed spending time with each other, traveling, giggling and attending the annual Smith Family Reunion. Gennie was often Mary Ann’s traveling companion, visiting destinations such as Alaska, Tennessee, and Branson to name a few. Mary Ann was a social butterfly who always supported the Beloit community: she would attend every event, concert, celebration, and fundraiser she was able to. Before the Covid crisis, she looked forward to going to lunch with friends every Sunday after Mass.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters and their spouses, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is survived by her children and their families, extended family, and a host of friends.

Mary Ann’s passing leaves an immense void, but her spirit, love and devotion to family and friends remain in the hearts of the many people she touched throughout her life. Her warm, bright smile and kind heart will be remembered by all who knew her. Mary Ann’s only wish was to remain at home through the end of her life, and due to the love, support, compassion and dedication of her children, who stayed with her every day and every night in her final years, she was able to do just that. She enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels, the people, and the cars outside her big front window, as well as her favorite game shows, including Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, shouting out the correct answers, usually before the contestant. Whether you knew her as Miss Smith, Mrs. Roberts, Mary Ann, Mom, Siftin’ Sand Mary Ann, Aunt Scurry, Grandma or Mom-Mom… it is sure that she touched your heart with her kindness and love and you will forever be a better person because of her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17, at Roberts Family Funeral Home from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, with family present during that time. The Rosary will follow at 6:00 PM at Roberts Family Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be held at St John’s Catholic Church on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 AM.

Internment will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

For those who wish to honor Mary Ann’s memory, donations may be made to St. John’s Catholic Schools, Solomon Valley Hospice, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Memorials may be sent to Roberts Family Funeral Service, 910 N. Campbell Ave., Beloit, Ks 67420.