William "Bill" Roberts

1926 ~ 2021

Viewing:

March 18, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    March 19, 2021
    11:00 AM
    1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092
  • Directions to Service
  • William “Bill” Roberts beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, age 94, passed away Friday, March 5, 2021in Murray, Utah. Bill, the sixth of seven children was born July 21, 1926 to William Roberts and Emma Jane Lewis in Salford, Manchester, England.

    As a child growing up in World War II, he knew the hardships of that era. He was evacuated to Dalton-in-Furness at the age of 12. When he reached the working age of 14 or 15, he returned to Manchester and, at 16 1/2, he joined the Royal Navy as a morse code operator.

    On July 31, 1948 Bill married Kathleen Thomas. She preceded him in death November 7, 1983. Bill worked in the newspaper industry, The Daily Mirror, one of the largest newspapers in the world, in Manchester, England as a press telegrapher and assistant manager until he retired in 1986. In 1984, he met Mona Marie Mann King of Sandy, Utah and they were married in Manchester, England on April 24th, 1984. Marriage later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    Bill remarked, "When I moved here, one of the biggest questions in my mind was how I would stand life without sailing? Sailing is important to me. It keeps me humble, especially when I get a notion about what I want to do, and the wind has a contrary opinion." Bill said he was able to accomplish all that he did by "just putting one foot in front of the other. There are things we cannot do; however, the truth is that we can do them. Just have faith and keep moving forward."

    His precious joys in life were his family, as he was a great example for all who knew him. Bill served his country and church well. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his glorious reunion with family and friends.

    He is survived by his wife Mona, two daughters, Lynn (Roger) Ball, Ann (David) Scott, 19 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, four sisters, two brothers, wife Kathleen, and one granddaughter Caroline Elizabeth Ball Bryant.

    A public visitation will take place form 6-8 PM on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy. Masks and social distancing will be required at the mortuary.

    Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the same location, Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road in Sandy. Attendance to the funeral services will be limited to immediate family and those invited. For all others whose lives were touched by Bill, the family would invite you to attend the funeral services virtually as they will be streamed via Zoom. Interment to follow the funeral services at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery.



    Guestbook/Condolences

    Mona,

    My condolences at the passing of sweet Bill. I have so many memories of him that bring a smile to my face. I looked forward to the Christmas sweaters every year! Mostly I remember how much he loved and adored you. Rest in love, Bill. You will be greatly missed.


    - Anne Funkhouser Cummins

    We will miss Bill. The funeral was lovely. Love Mona so much, May peace be with you.


    - John and Dianna Nelson

    We were saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend Bill Roberts. Our relationship goes back many many years to England and then to America. We send our best wishes and love to you Mona and to your family at this time.


    - Sylvia and Steve Carter