Mary Jane Roberts

Mary Jane Roberts, age 82, of Adrian, MI, passed away, November 16, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was born June 26, 1935, in Adrian, MI, the daughter of Donald & Pauline (Schaffer) Graham. On June 7, 1953, she married Blaine Roberts in Lyons, OH, he survives.  Mary Jane worked for several companies and organizations. One was private secretary for the principal of an elementary school in Phoeniz, AZ.    She also sold display advertising in CA, was Ohio activity director for Fulton County Senior Center and Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home. She retired from Henry County Senior Center as Executive Director for 9 1/2 years.    She loved working with the seniors.  Mary Jane won many awards certificates and plaques for her work. The highlight was receiving the 1998 Hall of Honor President's award presented by the Area Office on Aging for Henry County, OH. Mary Jane had an active life volunteering. She did a lot of publicity work for many local organizations where ever she happened to be living. She was a Sunday School teacher, a youth sponsor ,involved in PTA , Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Arizona Boys Ranch, Little League teams, Blue Birds, Indian Maidens and orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico. She served on the State Board for "Resident Activity Personal" in Ohio, was president of the Parent Club and served on the Trustee Board at Defiance College, Ohio.  Mary Jane's hobbies included camping, swimming, cooking and decorating the house for Christmas and Easter. She will always be known for her fried chicken, homemade noodles, baked beans and macaroni and cheese. Since retirement, Mary Jane and Blaine have enjoyed traveling in their motor home. They spent 8 months of the year in Tuscon. She looked forward to the 4 months in Michigan & Ohio where she could spend time with family and friends. That's also the time when she would enjoy decorating, cooking, and getting together for the Christmas in July party.  In addition to her husband Blaine, she is survived by her children, Randy (Cindy) Roberts, Rodney (Saralee) Roberts and Rhonda (Denise) Roberts and twenty three grandkids & great grandkids.  She was preceded in death by her parents.  Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, November 20, 2017, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, with Rev. Bruce Jewett officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Adrian, MI. Visitation will be on Sunday, November 19, 2017, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and also on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com