Mary Anne Marshall Roberts

Mary Anne Marshall Roberts passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center in DeKalb. She was born July 2, 1940, in DeKalb and was the daughter of William J. and Grace Beatrice (Rowe) Marshall.

Mary Anne attended Malta schools from first through twelfth grade, graduating in 1958. Before graduating, Mary Anne was offered a secretarial position for the principal of the Northern Illinois University Laboratory School.  She was employed in that position for five years.

On May 27, 1961, Mary Anne married Gerald Roberts, and they were blessed with 64 years together.

They had two daughters, Cheryl Anne (Dale) Sanderson and Diane Louise (Greg) Freeman. They were blessed with one grandson, Kurt (Kim) Sanderson and their two great-granddaughters, Jordan and Annabelle.

Mary Anne was employed by the Malta School District from 1968 until retiring in 1996 as an administrative assistant to six superintendents. The last eleven years she also served as recording secretary to the board of education.

Mary Anne enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, biking, camping and hiking with her husband. They were blessed to spend 20 years of their retirement on the Gulf Coast during the winter months. Most of all, she loved to read. She always had a book available. She volunteered at the Malta Library and was a substitute after retiring. The library was her special place from her first library card to her passing. After she and her husband moved to Oak Crest Retirement Center, she volunteered in their library.

She spent several years as a eucharistic minister for St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, where she had been a member her entire life.

She is survived by her husband Gerald, two daughters, Cheryl (Dale) Sanderson, Diane (Greg) Freeman, grandson Kurt (Kim) Sanderson, and two great granddaughters, Jordan and Annabelle Sanderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Beverly Gelli and brother William L. Marshall.

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 10:00am-10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb. Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30am with Father Dean Russell officiating at the church. Burial will be at a later date at Malta Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb, Malta Library, or Malta Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.