Published: May 12, 2008 04:28 pm            

DEBORAH J. ROBERTS

May 1, 1957-April 30, 2008

Deborah J. Roberts, age 50, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2008 in Anchorage, Alaska following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born May 1, 1957 in Battle Creek, Mich., the daughter of Irene Upchurch Roberts and the late Sgt. Forrest W. Roberts, Sr.

She is survived by her mother-Irene Roberts Conyers of New Castle, Ind.; and a brother-Wayne Roberts.

She is also survived by a stepsister-Donna and her husband Charles Hayes of Jackson, Ky.; and two stepbrothers-Lonnie and his wife Phyllis Conyers of Muncie, Ind. and Rick and his wife Patsy Conyers of Indianapolis, Ind.; three aunts-Nadine and her husband Bob Barrs of Virginia, Phyllis Upchurch of New Castle, Ind. and Glenna Upchurch of Muncie, Ind.; five uncles-James and his wife Marilyn Roberts of Kentucky, Charlie and his wife Sevella Upchurch of Fortville, Ind., Clay and his wife Opal Upchurch, Duke and his wife Marilyn Upchurch and Gary and his wife Becky Upchurch, all of New Castle, Ind.; several stepnieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sgt. USAF Ret., Forrest W.

Roberts, Sr. in 1975; her stepfather-Charlie Conyers in 1994; two uncles-Arthur Upchurch in 1977 and Bill Upchurch in 2000; and her grandparents-Frank and Bessie Upchurch and Frank and Anna Roberts Retz.

She graduated from Bartlett High School in Anchorage, Alaska in 1975.

She attended Anchorage Community College and Alaska Computer Institute.

She had over 30 years experience in the construction industry. She loved to travel and had traveled through all 50 states and Europe with her parents and brother.

She attended Sunday School and church regularly with her parents.

She loved life and people, enjoyed sports, the outdoors and animals.

She had a great personality, many friends and a smile for everyone.

Debbie contributed regularly to Big Brothers and Big Sisters and other organizations in Anchorage.

Memorial services in celebration of Deborah's life will be Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 3 p.m. at South Side Nazarene Church in New Castle, Ind. with Bro. Michael Dees, Rev. Rick Upchurch and Rev. Trevor Stanley officiating.

Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Society of Henry County,

401 W. Jackson St., Muncie, IN 47305 or South Side Nazarene Church Food Pantry, 2805 S. 14th St., New Castle, IN 47362.

Sproles Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

        

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