Rev. Robert "Bob" Russell Roberts

ROBERTS, Rev. Robert R. (Pastor Bob) – Born at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA, on May 13, 1937, and died on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at his home at Affinity at Mill Rd. in Spokane, WA. His parents were Albert and Nora (Gonser) Roberts. The oldest of five children, he was followed by brothers, Howard and Abe, and sisters, Arlene and Colleen. Robert was proud to be raised in Deer Park. He graduated from Deer Park High School (1955) and received a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Whitworth College (1960). He completed Graduate School, earning a Master of Divinity degree, from the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, CA, (1964). His career started as a student Pastor while at Whitworth and in seminary. He then served United Methodist churches in California, Washington, and Idaho, retiring from Spokane Valley UMC in 1999. He did some interim work and finished his career as Chaplain at the Rockwood South Retirement Community. Bob was a highly respected United Methodist Pastor. He enjoyed cars, cameras, and computers. Bob met his wife, Julie, at church in Ridgefield, WA, and they were married on June 11, 1967. They recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary at a family gathering. In addition to Julie, also surviving, are sons, Kevin (California), Scott (Idaho), and Aaron (Florida); several grandchildren; a brother, Howard and his wife, Jane; a sister, Arlene Sheely and her husband, Fred; sister-in-law, Gail Roberts; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Bob will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 8th, at Spokane Valley UMC, 115 N Raymond Road, in Spokane Valley. A second service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 15th, at Mason UMC, 2710 N Madison, in Tacoma, WA 98407. Private interment will be at Wild Rose Cemetery, Deer Park, WA Memorials in Bob’s name may be sent to Manito UMC, POB 8656, Spokane, WA 99203-0656, or Family Promise of Spokane, 904 E Hartson, Spokane, WA 99202.