Roberts Jr., Lloyd Wheeler

1933-2020

Our treasured father and husband Lloyd "Bub" Roberts was born the first of four children to Lloyd Sr. and Johanna (Zienhert) Roberts in Deer Park, WA October 20, 1933 and passed from this life December 31, 2020. He was raised on the family dairy farm and graduated Deer Park High School in 1952. Upon returning from his service in The United States Marine Corp Lloyd partnered with his dad operating the dairy. In 1963 the Roberts family held the honor of being named Inland Empire Dairy Family of the Year. In 1965 Bub and his wife Merlyn "Babe" purchased the farm and operated it until 1984. They shipped milk to Darigold Farms, hosted many school field trips, employed several local boys and relatives during hay season, often implementing the newest farm and dairy equipment to achieve maximum production. 1981-2006 Lloyd owned and operated Roberts Dairy Center catering to dairymens' needs in Eastern WA and Northern Idaho (including the WSU Dairy). He provided supplies, equipment repair and installation, and refrigeration service along with his son Mike. At one time or another, each family member participated in the business operation.

Bub was a caring man and neighbor, always lending a helping hand, willing to share his tools, equipment, labor and expertise when asked. He especially enjoyed helping other farmers with their cows and farming concerns. Active his whole life in the community Lloyd served on many boards including Jaycees, the Eagles, VFW, Williams Valley Grange, DHIA, and Tri-County Hospital in Deer Park. Additionally, he was a member and director of the Deer Park School Board where many late nights resulted in such decisions as girls being allowed to wear pants to school and the addition of new school buildings to accommodate the growing community. He enjoyed serving on the Deer Park Fair Board which hosted two of his family's favorite annual events, the Inland Empire Youth Fair and the Spring Dairy Show. He also served as member and President of Inland Power and Light's board of directors where Lloyd participated in lobbying congress on behalf of IP&L members. The results were achieving cost-effective delivery of power, upgrading equipment and providing efficient service. A perk, was the Christmas party held each year, leaving fond memories with several grandchildren.

In 2004 Lloyd married his beloved wife Marny. Their life was filled with extensive travel throughout the US with memorable journeys to Mexico and China. They enjoyed time at casinos, gardening, woodworking, regular dinners with the Burdega family, tailgate parties at WSU football games (Rose Bowl too), attending monthly "Hand and Foot" card parties, meeting friends at the Eagles and VFW, and attending the grandkids numerous events and athletic competitions. In 2020 Bub and Marny were honored to be selected by the Deer Park Settlers Assn. as their honored couple. Truly a full life lived well.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy June and niece Priscilla Garland, brother Ernie Roberts, and great-granddaughter Kylee Knutson. He is survived by his wife of sixteen years, Marny Burdega, his sister Mary Jo Reiter, and first wife and mother of their children, Merlyn Roberts. His legacy includes his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as follows: Daughter Tammy (Ruben) Arana {Christopher, Courtney, Kelly, Hannah, Rachel, Amanda, Madeline, Lauren and Samuel}, Daughter Tracy (Barry) Knutson {Brandon Brittany, Brianna, Taylor and Tanner}, Son Michael (Stefanie) Roberts {Allison, Jessica, Jaime, Megan and Jordan}, and Daughter Stephanie Roberts (Kelly Crook) {Jake, Whitney, Logan, Hunter and Hayden} as well as 26 great-grandchildren to date. He also leaves numerous Roberts and Burdega nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Holy Family Hospital for their excellent care and comfort in his final days when we could not be with him. Due to Covid-19 we will be hosting a celebration to honor Lloyd at a later date when we can safely gather.

Memorial contributions can be made, in his honor, to the Deer Park Eagles or Deer Park Settlers Association.