Velma Ruth Roberts, age 93, of Alamogordo, New Mexico, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2023, in DeSoto, Texas. She was born on August 4, 1929, in Chireno, Texas to Rose and Gage Kegler and has been a longtime resident of Alamogordo, New Mexico. Velma attended school in Texas and later met and married her husband Granville Roberts of sixty-eight years. They had nine children. She was always a generous and fearless human being. She devoted her time and energy to raising her family which continued throughout her life. Velma loved to fish and made many trips to Elephant Butte with family and friends during the summer and early fall. She loved to be out late in the evening and early morning with her pole in the water. Velma was a member of Corinth Baptist Church. She wanted to re-dedicate her life to the Lord and officially wanted to be re-baptized after her husband passed away in 2017, that being one of the three things on her bucket list. The other two was to visit her sister, Dora, in Texas and to see all her children together. All of those things were accomplished. Velma was an avid gardener and could produce some of the largest greens (collards and mustards), garlic, peaches, apples and pecans to share with her neighbors. Her favorite song was "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers. Velma is survived by her children, Sharon McDonald (Edward), Jean Branch (Lewis), Sheila Roberts, Johnny Roberts, Chenelle Roberts, Stephanie Gamble (Trent), and Terrance Roberts (Melissa). She also leaves as her legacy, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her parents, Rose and Gage Kegler; 31 brothers and sisters; husband, Granville Roberts; sons, Granville Roberts Jr. and Eddie Roberts; grandchildren, Roshod Erving Roberts, Eddie Roberts Jr., and Celena "Nene" Branch. Our hearts are broken, and we will miss her big personality, wit, humor, and her ability to call it like it was. But when we look around, we see the love that binds us in heart and spirit. We realize that we all have a part of her living in each of us. She fought a long and hard battle, but in the end, she left a legacy that will continue to lift us through the grief and sorrow. The family will greet friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2023, at Corinth Baptist Church, 402 4th Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico. The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Monday, January 23, 2023, at Corinth Baptist Church, 402 4th Street, Alamogordo, New Mexico with Pastor James Forney officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery. Pall bearers include Anthony Branch, Eddie McDonald, Brian Roberts, Corey Roberts, Marcus Roberts, and Wilson Holland. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Alamogordo, Tularosa Basin Historical Society, or 100% Otero Team, Otero County, New Mexico. The Roberts family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services. To sign the online register book, please visit, www.alamogordofuneralhome.org.

Posted online on January 19, 2023

Published in Alamogordo Daily News