Shelby Jean Roberts

Shelby Jean Roberts, 88, of Wooster, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Shelby was born on February 14, 1937, in Wyco, West Virginia, to Charles Watts and Bessie Laine (Kirk) Rhodes. After graduating from Mullens High School in 1955, she stepped into the next chapter of her life — one that would shape her family and her legacy for generations. That journey led her to Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley, West Virginia, where she met the love of her life, J.P. Roberts. They were married on December 23, 1955, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, faith, and hard work. J.P. preceded her in death in 2011.

Shelby devoted many years to working alongside her husband in the family business at Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Yet her most cherished role was that of a full-time homemaker, where she poured her heart into raising their four sons with love, structure, and steady encouragement.

A woman of deep faith, Shelby was a devoted member of Grace Church in Wooster. Over the years, she served as a greeter, an SMM leader, and by helping prepare funeral meals, quietly offering comfort to others during difficult times. Shelby read her Bible daily and was a prayer warrior for her family and friends.

Shelby enjoyed life fully. She loved tennis and golf and even scored a hole-in-one. In her later years, she treasured lunches and time spent with close friends and looked forward to gatherings with her knitting group. She had a special love for old movies — often recommending them with confidence: “This is a true story, you’ll like it” — always with subtitles on. She also enjoyed going out to dinner and watching sporting events with her dear friend, Tim Fair.

Above all else, Shelby was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was their biggest cheerleader and faithfully supported them in their sporting and musical endeavors. Her love for her family knew no bounds.

Shelby is survived by her sons: Jeffrey (Michelle) Roberts, Kirk (Jelayne) Roberts, and Alex (Pam) Roberts, all of Wooster; daughter-in-law Mindy Roberts of Wooster; her grandchildren: Ashley (Colin) Saffle, Lindsey (Seth) Gasche, Samantha (Justin) Kornhaus, Jarad (Jean) Roberts, Jaimie (Brad) Millice, Jenna Roberts, Michael (Da Sung) Roberts, Jessica (Jake) Ball, Wesley Roberts, and Justin Roberts; and her great-grandchildren: Reagan and Peyton Gasche; Jocelyn and Josie Roberts; Cohen, Cayda, and Brooklyn Millice; Adalynn and Mayleigh Ball. 

Shelby was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J.P. Roberts, in 2011, and her son, Greg Roberts, in 2013, whose loss left a profound void in her heart. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Harry Ervin, George Raymond, Sanford Mason, Charles Paul, Ray Jackson, Theodore, and John Darrell Rhodes, and her sisters Latha May Winkler, Frances Moorefield, Margaret Lee Lawrence, Beulah Irene Harper, Betty Jane Green, and Sally Cash.

Shelby lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. While she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and look forward to a joyful reunion in Heaven.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home – Sherwood Chapel, Wooster. Services will be Wednesday at 11 am at Grace Church, with Pastor Robert D. Fetterhoff officiating. A private committal service will take place in the Mausoleum at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be shared at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church and Ohio’s LifeCare Hospice.