Dolores “Dolly” Madeline Roberts, 97, of Galesburg, Illinois died November 20, 2023 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. She was the daughter of Clarence Arthur and Marie Lillian (Hladky) Mack, born in the family home in Wymore, Nebraska on December 28, 1925.
Dolores grew up on a farm in Southeast Nebraska. As a girl she was stricken with rheumatic fever. She survived the illness but lost the ability to have children. She loved staying in touch with her extended family, following the successes and accomplishments of her many nieces and nephews.
Dolores graduated from Beatrice High School (Beatrice, Nebraska) in 1942. Following graduation, she and her sister Patrica (Mack) Farrell moved to Galesburg. Dolores was married to Dale Johnson for many years. Later in life she married Housel Roberts (1988).
During the 70 plus years of calling Galesburg home, Dolores was a devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. You could often find her, with her sister and friends, volunteering in many ways including serving funeral lunches. She not only volunteered within the Community of Galesburg but served on the international stage. She traveled and volunteered in Ukraine, alongside Housel, teaching and mentoring Ukrainians on our Nation’s farming practices.
Dolores was proud to have been employed by the May Company as well as Bracket and Huff Plumbing. For many years, Dolores led the National Catholic Society of Foresters in Chicago, where she served as President. Following retirement, Dolores enjoyed traveling with Housel. They traveled within the United States and to countries abroad including; Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, and China, where they walked the Great Wall. Additionally, they explored the continent of Africa.
Dolores loved to quilt and to share her beautiful needle work. She was an amazing cook, specializing in baking kolaches and frying chicken! Dolores enjoyed playing cards and working puzzles.
Housel proceeded her in death on July 19, 2006. Dolores is survived by her sister Virginia Good of Statesboro, Georgia and brother-in-law Jerry Engler of Beatrice, Nebraska. Also surviving are extended family, Knud (Christine Williams) Ullerup of Altona, Illinois. Granddaughter Ellen Maree (Benjamin) Ullerup-Mathers of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents, two sisters Jeanette Engler and Patricia Farrell, and two brothers John “Jack” Mack and Robert Mack.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Galesburg. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Father Joseph Baker will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
