Jerry RobertsJanuary 24, 1924 - May 6, 2014On Tuesday, May 6th, 2014, Jerry Roberts passed away surrounded by her adoring family. A lifelong resident of Pocatello, Jerry, 89, was an artist, historian, gardener extraordinaire and lover of antiques. She will be missed by her many friends and family. Jerry's beloved husband, Fred Roberts Jr., passed away in November, preceding her in death by just over five months. Jerry missed her husband greatly. She is survived by her daughters; Melinda Redden of Idaho Falls and Susan Davidson of Boise; son Frederick Blake Roberts and his wife Stacie of Pocatello. Her four grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive her. Melinda's daughter Andrea is married to Brandon Rees and has two boys, Gabriel and Declan Frederick. They reside in Idaho Falls along with Melinda's son, Matthew Roberts Redden. Susie has two sons. Ben lives in Boise with his wife, Erin and their daughters, Violet Mae and June Avery. Jeff is married to Tara and they are expecting a baby in August. They reside in Seattle. Jerry was born on January 24, 1925 in Pocatello, Idaho. Her parents, Leona Verdi Bizier Cullen and John Lawrence Cullen, were the children of Irish and French railroaders that helped build Union Pacific rail lines and drove steam engines upon them. She was proud of her railroad heritage. She had a younger sister, Evelyn Corine Cullen Garvin and a paternal half-sister Jackie Blake. Jerry and her sister were extremely close to their maternal grandparents, Fredrick Francis and Cora Estelle Bizier.  They spent many of their childhood summers on the family farm in Sandpoint, Idaho. Her bedtime stories of life on her grandparents' farm helped all Roberts children drift off to sleep. Jerry graduated from Pocatello High School in 1943 where she was Senior Class Queen. She worked as an usherette at the Chief Theatre and vividly recalled a movie being interrupted with news of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack. She moved on to work at Riggs Optical, fitting eyeglasses and loved the job despite having to "take an elevator" to work. During World War II, she worked at the Union Pacific Railroad Depot in Pocatello. Her grandfather Fred Bizier, a steam locomotive engineer, was very proud that his young granddaughter worked for the same rail company he did. Although Fred and Jerry knew each other from the age of six (she often accused him of stealing her June bugs), they did not date until Fred returned from Midway Island in 1944. They married on October 13, 1946 at the First Congregational Church in Pocatello. They honeymooned in Jackson Hole, an area that still holds a special place in all Roberts family members' hearts. Their love spanned nearly 70 years, celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary in October of 2013. Jerry left her position at the railroad after marrying Fred, choosing "to raise good kids," something they were both very proud of. She was a steadfast partner to Fred in his career at People's Market, Gate City Steel and as a Realtor. Jerry often opened up her beautiful home to business associates and clients who soon became family friends. Jerry was an artist with both paintbrush and the written word. Her oil paintings adorned the family home while her poetry and childhood memory books are in the homes and hearts of all family members. Jerry adored the hunt and excitement of finding antiques wherever she went and was especially proud of buying a vintage organ off of a front porch. She was very brave when it came to anything standing between her and an aged treasure or her family. Jerry loved history, especially American history. She was particularly fond of the history of the American West and more specifically Idaho and Pocatello. A love that has passed down to her children. She was active in the Bannock County Historical Society and was the Chairperson of the Pocatello Centennial Celebration in 1982. She volunteered for the Red Cross and was active in the Does (BPOD). Jerry's caring nature spread beyond her immediate family to several beloved children that she cared for before and after school and neighbor children as well. They all essentially became members of the Roberts family. And where dogs were concerned? She was an original dog whisperer and St. Francis. A well-used "lost dog inside" sign was kept at arm's reach in the house. Above all else in the world, Jerry cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a caring friend and the life of the party. Jerry did not want a funeral held in her honor. At Fred's wake in February, Jerry so enjoyed seeing all of their friends and family that she commented, "We will have to do this again very soon." Her wishes were noted. A wake will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at the home of Fred's son, 141 S. 9th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho from 1-5 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the Bannock County Humane Society.