We lost our precious Meme, Katherine “Kitty” Wade Roberts on Christmas Day when she left to be reunited with her late husband Kipton “Pappy” Roberts. While losing someone dear is never easy, it was a peaceful sendoff as family and loved ones all came together for her last moments here on earth.

Kitty was an island girl to the core. Born a Wade, to parents Leith and Beryl Wade, and then marrying her high school sweetheart, another islander from the Roberts family. She was a fourth generation islander, the great granddaughter of the first sheriff on San Juan Island, Stephen Boyce.

Her life’s passions were her family and friends (of which she considered many), and dedicating time to gardening, cooking, baking and family and island history.

She spent many hours volunteering for the San Juan Historical Museum. As a young woman, Kitty worked in Friday Harbor as a switchboard operator. She then devoted her time to staying home, raising her children and being part of her husband’s teaching career. After her children were raised, she went to work at the Island Convalescent Center and then San Juan Island School District until she retired.

She is survived by her children Cherie Roberts Jackson (John), Peggy Roberts Henscik (Jose), Nancy Roberts McAbee (Tim); Roy Roberts; grandchildren Jon Hurley (Mary), Travis Hurley (Ann), Taylor Clark (Summer), Jesse McAbee, Katherine “Katy” McAbee, Tyler Roberts, Trent Roberts and Isabelle Roberts; eight great grandchildren; her brothers Richard Wade and John Wade, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was laid to rest at Valley Cemetery on Jan. 6, 2018 beside her husband Kipton “Pappy” Roberts.

She will be forever in our hearts.

The Roberts family.