Katie Roberts

Katie Lee Bear Roberts, a longtime Stilwell resident and member of the Cherokee Nation, died Sept. 26 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. She was 82.

Katie was born in Stilwell, Oklahoma, on April 17, 1933 to Oscar and Cherokee Bear. She attended Wyandotte School until 8th grade and then the Chilocco Indian School, from which she graduated in 1952. She worked as a waitress and governess until 1956, when she moved to Los Angeles and took a job in aircraft supply.

A new chapter in her life began in 1959, when she married Stewart J. Roberts. The couple lived in La Habra and Brea, and Katie stayed home to raise their two daughters, Cherokee and Valerie, and son, George.

Her family remembers her as quick to volunteer with a giving heart. Causes dear to her included Help for Brain Injured Children, her churches, garden societies and booster club. She also was team mom for her daughter's swim team.

Katie had a special ability to connect with people of all faiths, cultural backgrounds and ages and had a tender heart for those hurting or in need.

Katie and Stew retired to Stilwell in 1986. They traveled the world together, including a trip across Asia on the Orient Express, to Stew's home nation of Canada many times, as well as to South America and Australia. She loved interacting with the vendors, artisans and workers in those countries and wanted to make them smile and put them at ease.

Katie was an avid sports fan who supported the Rams, USC, OU and the Stilwell Indians. She and Stew regularly attended high school football games.

Throughout life's ups and downs, Katie kept her sense of humor. Her family will always remember her wonderful smile and infectious laughter. And she loved to laugh! She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Katie is preceded in death by her beloved son, George Stewart Roberts. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Stewart Roberts; sister Bertha "Sis" Gayle and brother Fidedalis "Red" Chastine; daughters Cherokee Himrod and Valerie Miller; son in law Steve Miller; four granddaughters, Jody Collins, Brooke Himrod, April Keeler and Tessa Miller; and a grandson, Charlie Miller; as well as a great-grandson, Hunter Collins, and many other extended family members in Oklahoma and beyond.

Graveside services at 3 pm on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Chulio Cemetery, Stilwell, OK with Bro. D.J. McCarter officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Roberts/Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

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