Valeene Mae Roberts

Valeene Roberts
Antimony, Utah

     Valeene Mae Sawyer Roberts was born to David George and Mayall Huntington Sawyer on March 11, 1947. She was raised in Hatch with her three brothers: Kerry, Kurt and Kent. She loved being surrounded by all her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. She graduated from Panguitch High School.  
     After attending LDS Business College, she met and married Don Woodmancy. They moved to Hawaii where her two oldest children, Tracy and David, were born. They later divorced.
     Valeene moved back to Panguitch to be close to her parents. Her mom and dad tended her kids while she worked, cementing a lifelong bond. Valeene met Ken G. Roberts through some mutual friends. They married in Hatch on December 7, 1974. They moved to Antimony where they lived the rest of their lives. They had 4 children: Kena Sue, Riley K., Amberly Ann, and Gannon Garth. 
     After her kids were in school, Valeene went back to nursing school and earned her LPN. She worked at Garfield Memorial Hospital for many years. She worked in all areas of the hospital, but her favorite job was working Extended Care with her “Little Old People". She loved her co-workers and provided humor and competent care for many people. She was also the source of all medical answers to her family and friends. 
     Valeene was a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many different callings. Valeene and Ken were sealed together for eternity on October 7, 2009. On December 7, 2024, Valeene and Ken held their 50th wedding anniversary. They were thrilled to have so many friends and family share this milestone with them. It was a special day for them and they spoke of it often in the weeks that followed.         Valeene was very talented and could sew almost anything. She made Western suits for Ken, prom and wedding dresses for her daughters and pajamas for all her family. Valeene had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit. She loved to laugh and enjoyed a good joke. One of her joys was when her grandkids started sharing their jokes and tricks with her. 
     She loved to take a lunch and go on the mountain for a picnic or go pick pine nuts. Valeene believed deeply in service and was the first to bring meals to those in need. She was very hospitable and loved for people to visit. She was at her very happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 
     Valeene passed away on January 7, 2025 in St. George due to complications from a fall. Special thanks to the staff at IHC for such tender and competent care, for the Life Flight Crew and for all professional and personal care. 
     Valeene is survived by her husband, Ken G. Roberts; children: Tracy (Renato) Matheson, Dave (Stephanie) Roberts, Kena (Ryan) Toone, Riley (Crystal) Roberts, Amberly (Jerrod) Mallinger and Gannon (Kambri) Roberts; 32 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; brothers: Kerry, Kurt, and Kent Sawyer; and many extended family members.  
     She is preceded in death by her parents, May and David Sawyer; Ken's parents, Garth and Ilene Roberts; a stillborn son, Ken; and a daughter-in-law, April; brother, Kim Sawyer.  
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 in the Antimony Ward Chapel at 11:00 am. Viewing at the church from 9:00-10:30. Burial will be held at the Widtsoe Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

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