Our Beloved "Crusty Rusty"

Obituary for Russell Reeder Roberts

In Loving Memory Of
RUSSELL REEDER ROBERTS

 

Our trip was put on hold temporarily to gather together as a family and say goodbye to my stepdad, Russ. 

For the past 22 years, Russ has been a sweet companion to my mom and an incredible father to me and my siblings.  He certainly didn't have to love us, but he chose to and did so beautifully.  Never complaining of the burden, always delighting in family moments and celebrating our successes.  He was an exceptional stepdad...the gold standard. 

For the last 2 years, Russ has been courageously battling prostate cancer.  I learned of his diagnosis one evening, a month or so after the passing of my sweet Andrew.  My mom had come to my home to help me go through Andrew's clothes that I hadn't been able to take down from my closet.  As she held me while I wept over piles of my husband's clothing, her phone rang.  It was Rusty, bearing more dreadful news.  He was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.  My mom, who is my hero and my backbone, shed a few tears while telling me of the news Russ had just received.  She gathered her things to leave and I marveled at the courage that radiated from her.  All the while, I was swelling inside with anger and nervousness for another looming loss.

Russ and my mom shared the same immense courage and bravery.  Throughout the two years he battled his illness, Russ' body became weak but his faith remarkably strong.  He was amazingly more optimistic with every passing day.  Each time I visited with him I would share my fear of living life without him.  He would just tenderly tell me, "Juliann, I love you.  And God loves you."  He knew I struggled with anger and frustration over more devastation plaguing our family, however, he chose to rise above the negativity.  Russ loved life.  He fought a good fight and demonstrated grace and dignity to the very end.  Despite the early prognosis of 5 or 6 years, Russ was called home after 2 difficult years of sharing his body with cancer. 

The marriage between my Mom and Russ unified two families into one, consisting of 10 rambunctious children.  In 22 years, these children who ranged from 8 to 21 years in age when they said their vows, have sense given them 36 grandchildren.  These 36 grandkids who adore their "Papa" had never all been together for a photograph.  This was one of Russ' last desires; that we all gather together for a picture showing the legacy that has been created.  These pictures miraculously occurred just 3 short days prior to Russ leaving his ailing body and passing through heaven's gates...



Russ and Margo Roberts Family



Margo and Russ Roberts with their 10 children

Grandma and Papa with their grandchildren

Russ & Margo Roberts Family

Jennifer DeTemple: Carter, Bailey, Hayden, Mason
James (Julie) Crockett: Jordyn, Kendall, Kailey, Riley, Jace
Josh (Christine) Crockett: Rock, Gunner, Case, Axel
Jacob (Meegan) Crockett: Hannah, Crew, Cooper
Adam (Liz) Roberts: Michael, Drew, Annabeth, Ali, Lex
Jonathan (Jill) Crockett: Vin, Sampson, MargoKaty (Jake) Mann: Joslan, Emma, Luke
Joseph (Laura) Crockett: Bentlee, Jett, Jaxton
Megan (John) Parish: Connor, Hunter
Juliann (Andrew) Ashcraft: Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, Choice


Rusty was an all around athlete and always took very good care of himself.  He ran track and played football in school.  Later in his life, he preferred to play basketball and his ultimate passion...golf.  The cruel reality that cancer can strike even the healthiest of individuals has been a tough one for me to grasp.

Russ Roberts

Russ Roberts

Besides being athletic, Russ was second to none in his dedication to family.  My Mom was the absolute love of his life and he treated her as such.  They taught me so much about "love" by the way that they treated one another when the other wasn't looking.  Russ cared so tenderly for my Mom as recent years have taken more and more of her memory away from her.  Similarly, as cancer robbed Russ of his physical abilities, Mom was lovingly ready to assist him in any way that she could.  This companionship was a true testament to what it means to have a partner. 

 

 



Papa Russ and Grandma Roberts



 





Ali, Papa Russ, and Grandma Roberts

Grandma and Papa

 

Russ was never one to get too worked up over things, but he often energized us with his whit and humor.  He loved to laugh and to bring smiles to those around him.  The grandkids' favorite thing was when Papa would chase them and dog pile them.  He named this act of love, a pancake.  Papa was notorious for his pancakes. 

 



Rusty



Over the last year and a half we have done our best to see Papa and Grandma regularly.  Each moment we were blessed to spend together will be forever cherished.

Shiloh, Tate, Grandma Roberts, Ryder, Choice, and Papa Russ

 

Shiloh, Tate, Grandma Roberts, Ryder, Choice, and Papa Russ



Shiloh, Grandma Roberts, Tate, Ryder, Choice, and Papa Russ

In whatever capacity he was able, Papa never missed an opportunity to play with the kiddos. 



Choice and Papa Russ





Choice and Papa Russ

Even with the diagnosis of terminal cancer lingering over his head, Rusty refused to give up the fight.  He didn't concern himself with doom and gloom but focused on the quantity and quality of life that he was given.

 

Unfortunately, that time wasn't nearly as long as we would have liked.  We said goodbye to Papa on Tuesday, July 14th at 5:00 AM.  He passed peacefully with Mom by his side in the comfort of their home.  We are so sad for ourselves because we miss his stinking guts already, but happy that he was able to shed the weight of his aching body and move onto a far more spectacular place.  The kiddos asked him to please give their Daddy a hug for them when he got there.

 

We held his funeral on Saturday, July 18th, where we celebrated the life he so beautifully lived. 



Ryder, Shiloh, Tate, and Choice



With so many people who love and care for him, it was difficult for everyone to be involved.  Luckily, Rusty decided before he passed just what he'd like in way of a service.  Two of my brothers, Joseph and Adam, had the opportunity to speak.  They both did a wonderful job sharing memories of Russ and the faith they have that we will be reunited as a family again someday.  My Mom asked that I write a poem for Russ to place on the program.  This was an honor.

Funeral Program



Dear Rusty, We love and miss you so much
Your kindness, your courage, your soft gentle touch
If we had life to live over we’d choose you once more
If it meant losing you again, it's worth all that’s in store

Though our hearts are now filled with sadness and tears
We had so many great memories with you through the years
When illness expired your health and sweet laughter
Intense suffering turned to joy in the hereafter.

For months and months you fought the good fight
Courage and determination each morning and night.
We cherish and admire your struggle to stay here
And watched as you accepted the end growing near.

Before you even know it, you’ll be standing at heaven’s gate
With friends and loved ones who, for you, anxiously wait.
We sorrow in the loneliness we’ll feel without you here
And celebrate that our sweet reunion is ever drawing near.

Now God has called upon you, it's time to get your wings.
Leave this life behind, and enjoy all of heavens beautiful things.
A thousand words won’t bring you back; we know because we’ve tried
Neither will a thousand tears; we know because we’ve cried.

In the breeze we’ll hear your whisper; feel your warmth from the sun
Upon the lake we’ll see your reflection; in the stream we’ll see you run

Until that day comes that we’ve all crossed over too
Our family will not be complete until we meet that day with you.
So wait for us in heaven Papa, don't let us be alone.
The day the angels come for us, please be there to bring us home. 

 

 

Russ' 36 grandchildren sang to their Papa "I Am A Child of God" and "Families Can Be Together Forever".  This moment in the service brought tears to many in attendance and I know Papa's spirit was there to witness it too. 

12 of Papa's 36 grandkids practicing to sing at his funeral

Following the service we proceeded to Arizona Pioneer's Home Cemetery for the internment.  This happens to be a place that we have become very familiar with over the past two years.  It is the final resting place of our dear Andrew and the Granite Mountain Hotshots.  Russ chose a plot near the GMIHC boys.

Uncle Jacob and Grandma Roberts



Graveside at Arizona Pioneer's Home Cemetery

 



Uncle Jacob, Grandma Roberts, and Grandpa Crockett

 

Dedication of the grave - Russell Reeder Roberts

 

Graveside at Arizona Pioneer's Home Cemetery

 

One of Papa's last requests was that there be no flowers on top of his casket.  Rather, he wanted his grandkids to have one last opportunity to pancake him if they so desired.  Many of them took that last moment at the cemetery to do just that.  I am sure Papa was proud.  As a matter of fact, his tears of joy from heaven began to pour down at that moment.

Riley (Papa's granddaughter) pancaking him one last time





Grandkids (Hannah, Vin, Jett, Cooper, Bentlee and Crew) pancaking Papa one last time

 

The rain cut the graveside service fairly short but the kids and I visited Papa one last time before leaving town.  It is interesting how the cemeteries become more and more full of people we love the older we become.  This cemetery is a resting place for two of the most important people in my life.  

Russell Reeder Roberts final resting place



  And now...what does the future hold?  For me and the kiddos, we are continuing our trip in just a few days.  We are eager to distract ourselves with happy things like the kindness of people across this great country.  What a blessing these visits have been and will continue to be in our healing process.

 

For my sweet Mother, I am afraid I am all too familiar with many of the feelings coming her way.  However, grief is such an individual journey.  And if ever there was a woman who could conquer challenges in her life, it is my Mom.  Please pray for her and for the rest of the family as we learn to live without one of our great patriarchs.  

Here's to being better...not bitter.  We sure love you Crusty Rusty.



Grandma Roberts