D. Jones

Roberta Jones

Age 84 of Aurora, passed away peacefully at her daughter's home following a courageous battle with Cancer on August 11, 2010.

Roberta was born on July 10, 1926 to Rubert and Isabel Tarr and grew up on the family farm South of Paw Paw. She attended a one room country schoolhouse through the 8th grade and graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1944. She often spoke of her time on the farm as some of her happiest memories, remarking that although the work was very hard, there were just as many good times with her close-knit family and friends.

Upon graduation, Roberta attended and graduated from the Frances Sullivan School of Beauty Culture in Chicago. She opened her own beauty shops, first in Paw Paw and later in Aurora. It was through her beauty shop in Aurora that she was introduced to her future husband by a client who told her she had a son she thought Roberta should meet. After dating for six months, Roberta married Gary Jones in 1949 and they shared their lives together for 55 years.

Shortly after marriage, Roberta began working for what was then Illinois Bell. She was employed as an operator for over 39 years and received several awards during her employment, including "Operator of the Year" and the "Lifesaver Award", which was given to an operator who directly contributed to the saving of human life.

After retirement Roberta found great enjoyment in maintaining her immaculate yard and flower garden, as well as sewing, quilting and spending time with friends and family. She was never too busy to help someone whatever their need may have been.

Roberta is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Diane and David Nars; two sisters: Lois King of Oak Park, Illinois and Joyce Schnell of Houston, Texas; her brother Lloyd (Elaine) Tarr of Fountain Hills, Arizona; two sisters-in-law, Eloise Tarr of Paw Paw, Illinois and Gloria Jones of Aurora, as well as many nieces and nephews who all held special places in her heart.

Roberta was preceded in death by her husband Gary; her parents, her step-mother, Rachel Tarr, and her brother Roger Tarr.

One of the things Roberta looked forward to every year was the glorious flag display during the Memorial Day Service at Wyoming Cemetery in Paw Paw. Even when her health was failing she made the trip to attend the service. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Smith Reynolds American Legion Post 511 in Paw Paw for the purchase and maintenance of the memorial flags. Donations may also be made to the Joliet Area Community Hospice.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held Sunday August 15, 2010 from 1:00PM until time of funeral service 5:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Reverend Ken Foster will officiate and a graveside service will follow Monday August 16th at 10:30AM in Wyoming Cemetery in Paw Paw.

Pallbearers will be: David Nars, Elmer Fick, Eric Tarr, David King, Lloyd Tarr and Tony Tarr.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)