Eddie Ray
Roberts
Eddie Ray Roberts was born August 24th, 1934, was orphaned at the age of 7 and raised by his grandmother in Henrietta, TX. He was an exceptional student and hard worker and spent much of his time with his cousins, the Oldfields. He graduated high school at sixteen and as soon as he could, moved out west to Grants, N.M., the booming mining town where he began working in the uranium industry as the Anaconda mill was being built. He was drafted into the Navy in 1953 and was stationed out of San Francisco; he served on the U.S.S. Polaris and spent most of his time in Japan. He received an award as Honorman for his outstanding performance on duty. Upon his discharge he returned home to Grants and married the love of his life, Patricia Trujillo, and returned to the Anaconda mill. On a wing and a prayer, he began working at the Post Office in 1959 and eventually was appointed as the postmaster in Grants. He retired at age 55 from federal service for 31 years. Then he worked at his own Roberts Farm and spearheaded the Grower’s Market in 1982. But he wasn’t ready for the rocking chair, at age 60 he started work at City Electric with his ‘Primo’ Ralph Chavez and retired from there at age 75. At job sites he was always respectfully referred to as Mr. Roberts. He was actively involved in his community with different state agencies including the San Jose Flood District, Rio San Jose Flood Control and Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments and the Lava Soil and Water Conservation District. He was NMSU Grants Branch’s first graduate, having accumulated so many credits they finally asked if he wanted a degree; he was awarded an Associate in Arts. He was an elder for many years at the Church of Christ and was an example to many being an outstanding man, husband, father and grandfather. He never met a stranger, people loved his intelligence and witty humor, and he was fondly called ‘Grandpa’ by many people.
Eddie’s difficult childhood helped create a soul that was humble and kind and adored by his family. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with his whole heart. He is reunited with his wife of 67 years Pat Roberts in death, and the final chapter of their love story has closed.
He is survived by his daughter Donna Marsing and husband David; son Eddie (Buddy) Roberts II. His cousin Patsy Fletcher, who was like a sister to him. Grandson Lance and wife Jennifer and great granddaughter Lissete; Granddaughter Vail, great granddaughters Alivia and Mattea; granddaughter Brie Marsing; granddaughter Taylor Hudson and husband Nicholas; grandson Joshua Roberts and wife Rikkie, great granddaughter Lexi and great grandson Elijah Ray; and multiple nieces and nephews. A special thanks for the caregivers with Southwest Home Care: Shannon, Pam, Vicki, Jeanette, nurses Christina, Amanda, Yolanda, Alisha and Liz who cared for and loved Eddie deeply over the last several years. A special appreciation for Compassus Hospice for all their help and compassionate care.
Services will be held at Grants Church of Christ on July 25th viewing at 9:00 with services starting at 10. Funeral procession and graveside service will take place at Pioneer Memorial Park in Bluewater, N.M. Reception to follow from 1:00-3:00 at La Ventana. ** Services are entrusted to Mt. Taylor Funerals & Cremations (505) 287-5511 **