Gladys I (Nicholson) Roberts

Mrs. Gladys Idella Roberts age 97 of Salem passed away Saturday, April 16 at her home.

Mrs. Roberts was born July 12, 1918 in Washington County, Indiana the daughter of Thomas Willard (TW) Nicholson and Myrtle Idella Bottorff Nicholson.  She was a member of Canton Christian Church, Order of Eastern Star in Indianapolis and Salem Senior Citizens, where she enjoyed dancing.  Gladys worked as a switchboard operator for Ma Bell and retired from L. S. Ayres in Indianapolis.  After retiring, she worked for Hoosier Uplands and Hospice and volunteered as an activity director for both Meadowview and Heritage House Nursing Homes.  She loved her family of five generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband:  Frederick Roberts on June 24, 1985.  She was also preceded in death by two sons:  Freddie Lee Roberts and Eric Derf Roberts, three brothers:  Charles, Franklin and Clyde “Bill” Nicholson, two sisters:  Elizabeth “Sis” Weston and Anita Chastain and her parents.

She is survived by three daughters:  Patsy Joan New of Loveland, Colorado, Beverly Hardin of Salem and Fredrica Burrows of New Palestine, Indiana, seven grandchildren:  John Brian New (Vicki), Kelly Jo Collins (Jeff), Lisa Jo Nicholson(Keith), Tim Miller (Stacy), Jeremy Miller (Jennifer), Dwayne Opel (Nancy) and Donna Dragoo (Brad), 15 great-grandchildren:  Matt New, Ben New, Olivia Collins, Nick Collins (Megan), Justin Emery (Hillary), Kyle Emery (Jaclyn), Brooklyn Miller, Blayton Miller,Jacob, Cora nd Emma Miller,  Rachel Opel, Laura Opel, Carley Dragoo and Dylan Dragoo, and 3 great-great-grandchildren:  Brennan, Silas and Destiny Emery.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11:00AM at Weathers Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-8PM and Wednesday from 9Am-time of service.