Betty Roberts

Betty C. Roberts (Born Elizabeth Jean Craig, affectionately known as “Betsy” to her mother) entered peacefully into the arms of her Lord on the evening of February 13, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her family. Though the last few years had been hard as her memory and speech were very affected by her dementia, her spirit remained strong. 

Born at home in January of 1934 (either on the 3, 4, or 7th: ask family for details of this story!) she entered a life that was rarely easy but truly filled with amazing love. All who were privileged to meet Betty felt moved by her dedication to Family and Faith, Racing, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Her love of football likely preceded her cheerleading days at Ligonier Valley High School, and she remained well versed in all things football for all of her life. By her 70s she wouldn’t even watch Steeler games with her family, preferring to spend them with the TV on, muted, the radio broadcasting Myron Cope and Bill Hillgrove and the local Pittsburgh coverage, furiously cleaning her house because she was too nervous to sit down and watch. Anyone remember the framed autograph from Max Starks stating, “To Betty, Go Steelers! Love, Max Starks!” She loved generations of Steelers, and she probably could’ve coached in the NFL if she’d have had the chance. Certainly she had strong opinions about the choices made in the draft…

She went to work in her 30s when her husband became sick, and worked for Ligonier Valley School District through her retirement, first in the lunchroom and eventually as a janitor, doing hard physical labor with ease. Anyone who knew Betty knew if you wanted a job done right, give it to her. She was a work-horse and a force to be reckoned with, and absolutely unstoppable in her ability to turn adversity into advantage, and struggle into joy. 

She was a long-standing member of The Waterford Christian Church, leading Bible studies and teaching Sunday School until she became too hard of hearing to facilitate discussions, at which point she withdrew from teaching because although it brought her great joy, she would not allow the integrity of the study to be compromised. She was well into her 80s when she quit teaching, and inspired many young Christains throughout her lifetime. 

From her love of gardening, cooking, and meeting her family and friends for meals out, to her impeccably clean home, hand crocheted gifts, and her life-size cutout of Carl Edwards, Betty was a person you could not forget. Even during her tenure at Bethlen communities, she inspired love in the staff and fellow residents, leaving an impression on every life that she touched. 

Betty lived a life that was often far from easy, but her positivity and her dedication to her own values never wavered. These are 91 years that are hard to sum up in a few paragraphs, but rest assured they were 91 years well spent. 

Betty is survived by 5 of her 6 children, Terry (Paul) Trimeloni, Annie (David) Donaldson, Alan (Andrea) Roberts, Brian (Melinda) Roberts, and Leslie (Curt) King. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren (who adore her), Lauren, Gregory and Stephen Trimeloni, Aubree and Justin Roberts, Derek and Tyler Donaldson; Heather Soberano, Candace and Coby Roberts, Justin and Nathan Fieldson, Thomas Roberts and David and Betsy King. She had the privilege to enjoy 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson so far; she took great pride and immense joy in all of them. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley C. Roberts, her parents, Kenneth and Regina Craig; her beloved son Craig Roberts, and her siblings by birth and by marriage with whom she was inseparable, Robert and Barbara Craig, Duane “Skeeter” and Helen “H” Craig, Geraldine “Gerry” and Fred Turin, and Audrey and Wayne Boyd, as well as a baby brother Benjamin who passed in infancy. Local restaurants likely still miss the site of this large crew at their at least monthly “Sibling Lunch”, where they practically needed their own room to hold them. 

A viewing will be held on Wednesday February 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Snyder-Green Funeral Home 402 E. Church St. Ligonier and a funeral service will take place the following day, Thursday February 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home chapel. Although the weather this week prohibits us safely taking her home to her church for her service, we know the heart of the church will surround her in love as we wish her well. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Betty's name to Waterford Christian Church.