Obituary of Murice W. Roberts

Murice Weldon Roberts (Uncle Murt), passed away on July 13, 2017, in Rideout Memorial Hospital, Marysville, CA, after a short illness. Murice was born in Thalia, Texas, on May 4, 1925. He was the son of Jacob and Muriel Roberts. Murice attended school in Vernon, Texas, through the sixth grade at which time he had to start working with his dad picking cotton. Because of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, the family had to move frequently for work. They gradually worked their way through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and up through California, finally settling in the Yuba-Sutter Area, when Murice was a teenager. Murice was a skilled guitarist, and in the late 40's and early 50's played the steel guitar in bands called The Royal Texans and the Peach Tree Swingsters, comprised of his wife, Paquita Roy on the keyboard and several of his closest friends. In the 50's Murice and Paquita joined the Yuba City Church of the Nazarene, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, member of the church board, Sunday School teacher, and for many years, with Paquita, youth leader. In this capacity, Murice and Paquita had a great impact on the lives of many young people. Murice held a local minister's license in the Church of the Nazarene where he served as a substitute pastor in the Sacramento and Oregon Pacific District Churches. Despite his brief schooling, Murice was an avid reader and enjoyed studying the Bible and other theological topics. Murice was loyal to his family and friends, especially when he was sole caregiver to his ailing wife during the final years of her life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. Murice is survived by three children, Lyn (Cheryl) Roberts of Mt. Morris, NY, Rhonda (Bill) Meissler of Middletown, CA, and Randy (Cathy) Roberts of Yelm, WA.; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Wandell Christie, Betty Miller, and Sandy Holsted; and a brother-in-law, Harland Roy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 65 years Paquita Roy Roberts; daughter Pam Sumpter; brothers, JQ Roberts, Monty Roberts, Doyle Roberts, and Donnie Roberts; sisters, Mildred Scott, Cleta McGrath, Nina Coats, and Joann Miller; and a brother and sister who died in infancy. Murice will be interred next to his beloved wife in Sierra View Cemetery, in Marysville, CA. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at a date to be announced. Condolences may be offered at Sierraviewfh.com guestbook online. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff, at Rideout Hospital who were so caring and attentive to Dad in his last few days.