Frances E. Roberts

passed away peacefully at Wyatt House Retirement Center at Bainbridge Island on July 10, 2008, surrounded by loved ones. Frances was born on August 5, 1916 in Elberton, Washington to John and Edna Bishop. She grew up on the family homestead north of Elberton and graduated from Garfield High School. Frances attended Washington State College in Pullman. Frances met her husband Bill in 1937 and they shared a sweet courtship. Frances quietly came to Poulsbo to meet Bill and they were married on June 30, 1939. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 1946. Frances and Bill bought the Locker building on Winslow Way where they rented out lockers and had a meat-cutting and packing business. Bill apprenticed with a master watchmaker who rented space in their building and gradually through the years with many remodels, the building became Roberts Jeweler. The two worked together to build a successful and respected jewelry business. She lived at their beloved homestead at Roberts Road on Bainbridge Island from 1949 to January of this year. They worked hard through the years to remodel the old house and tended their vegetable and flower gardens when they weren't working at the store. Retirement in 1975 brought much pleasure to Frances as she was able to work in her garden every day, often into the dark of the night. She loved sharing her beautiful flowers. People from afar would come by to admire Frances' gardens. Frances was very active at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church from 1947 and for many years thereafter. She kept the church hedge trimmed for over 40 years, as well as many other quiet acts of service. She lived at Wyatt House for her last six months of life. Although her health was declining, she faithfully participated in the activities there. The family would like to thank the staff at Wyatt House for their wonderful hospitality, love and care to her, particularly her last weeks of life.Being "Grammy" and "Great-Grammy" were probably one of her most cherished and enjoyable times in her life. Frances adored her grandchildren and great- grandbabies and loved every minute of her time spent with them.Frances is survived by her daughter, Rita Rowe (Adrian), Granddaughter, Elisa Louis (Wayne), Grandson, Mark Rowe (Sarah), Great-Grandchildren, Ava Rowe, Luke Rowe and Zoe Louis; and sister, Pat Burnett. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Bill Roberts, brothers Paul and John Bishop and sister Regina Burnett.A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 27th at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.Memorial donations may be made to Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 50020, Mailstop 5200, Seattle, WA. 98145-5020 or to Bainbridge Island Volunteer Firefighters Association, 8895 Madison Ave., Bainbridge Island, WA. 98110.Arrangements are pending through Cook Family Funeral Home.