Annabelle Viola Roberton

Annabelle Viola (Lunn) Roberton, 85, passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her children in Wenatchee, Wash., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018.

She was born on Feb. 2, 1933, in Williamsville, Mo., to Cecil and Ellen Lunn. She moved to California with her family as a young child and lived in San Francisco. Her family later moved to Merced, Calif., where she attended high school.

While in high school, she met a handsome United States Airman, Staff Sergeant Lawrence Eugene Roberton. They were wed on Nov. 24, 1950, in Lawrence's hometown of Troy, Kan. Thrifty and creative, Annabelle made her own wedding gown and decorated the wedding cake.

Lawrence and Annabelle had six children: four sons, Rex, Terry, Darrell and Dennis, and two daughters, Candacy and Tamara.

After serving 20 years in the United States Air Force, Lawrence and Annabelle moved to Opheim, Mont., to farm and ranch with Lawrence's younger brother, Larry Lee.

Annabelle was always a creative and talented woman. She worked many years as a cook at the Opheim school and the local cafe. Everyone loved her cooking. She also taught art classes and decorated wedding cakes. She loved to quilt and each of her children and grandchildren have treasured examples of how wonderful they are. She also crocheted, painted oil and water color, crafted and baked. Her home often smelled of fresh baked bread and cakes.

When they retired from farming in Montana, Lawrence and Annabelle moved to Monroe, Wash., to be closer to her family.

Annabelle loved children and provided many years of daycare in the community. She cared for, loved, and helped raise so many more children. It was always heartwarming to hear others call her "Mom" or show up at our family reunions.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Ellen Lunn; her husband of 59 years, Lawrence Roberton; her youngest brother, Larry Lunn; and one great-grandson, Jacob R. Ball.

She is survived by her six children, Rex (Chris), of Port Angeles, Wash., Terry, of Glendo, Wyo., Darrell, of Cochabamba, Bolivia, Dennis (Christine), of Borger, Texas; Candacy (Mike) Floyd, of Wenatchee, Wash., and Tamara Aune, of Glasgow, Mont.; 19 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Annabelle's funeral service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m., at Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home, led by Darrell Roberton. All were cordially invited to join the family for a reception at the funeral home immediately following the service. Her final resting place is Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Wash.

Arrangements are entrusted to Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home in Monroe, Wash.