Virginia M. Roberts

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Virginia M. Roberts, 84, of Tonganoxie, Kan., died Friday, March 10, at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center after a long illness. Virginia was born at home in Chicago, Ill., on April 4, 1932, to Herbert and Anna (Johnson) Maas. Virginia received her M.A. in History from Colorado State University in 1967. From 1967 to 1977, she taught American History and Contemporary History at Cottey College in Nevada. She then moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she began a new career in accounting, working for nearly 20 years for Open Options, a non-profit providing assisted living for developmentally disabled adults.

Virginia opened her heart and home to many, and extended her family to include them. One of those family members said it best, "she always took in strays." She greeted everyone she met with approval. She was a force, devoted to her children and her friends.

Virginia is survived by her son, Roy Roberts, of Overland Park, Kan.; and her daughter, Kris Roberts, of Leavenworth, Kan. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Ben Jefferies, Flagstaff, Ariz., and Emily Jefferies, Kansas City, Mo. Virginia was preceded in death by her long-time partner, Fred Cook; her parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

Virginia's life was celebrated in a private memorial on March 16.