Allen Bernard Roberts

Allen Roberts was born to Earl Llewellyn and Bernice Jaggers Roberts on January 16, 1921. He passed away at the ripe old age of 97 on September 2, 2018. He was the second son of what was to become a family of 5 including Earl Jr., Floyd and Shirly along with sister, Beverly. Dad was “sickly” as a child and his mother said she had never seen such a, “Potbelly”. Times were tough during the Great Depression. Dad said many days the only thing to eat on the farm was Black-eyed peas. Dad never again cared for Black-eyed peas as it brought back memories of struggle and hardship for his family.

Allen eventually outgrew his ailments and became a great asset to his father and the farm. He enjoyed working with his father and together they planted a walnut orchard in 1939, the year he graduated from Ceres High School. High School was a fun time for dad and he enjoyed Track and History. Allen always said if he couldn’t be a farmer, he would have become a History teacher. Allen joined the Navy but only served a short time as he was needed back on the farm. After working hard and saving his money, he was able to purchase his first car, a Ford Club Coupe in 1945. The car arrived a whole year after it was ordered

Allen’s youngest brother, Robbie was engaged to Patsy Hoover, who happened to have an older sister named Marjorie. Marjorie apparently joked with Patsy that she was allowed to date anyone as long as they had an older brother! Allen and Marjorie started dating and each found that special person they were looking for. It wasn’t long after that were married on November 1st, 1958. their First child, Russell, was born a little over one year later on November 14 although when asked, Russ would tell folks that he was born 13 days after the wedding… Marjorie was not amused.

In 1962, Allen and Marjorie claimed the prize when twins, Marilyn and Mark, were born healthy and happy. Though Allen continued to farm, he now a family of 5 and decided that the family could use a little more cash flow. Allen began his work at Campbell’s Soup Company in 1965 and would remain at Campbell’s for almost 22 years. In his later years, he greatly enjoyed visiting with fellow retirees at the monthly meeting of the Campbell’s Brunch Bunch. It became such a routine that the waitresses at the Old Mill would just bring him his orange juice as he sat down. Pancakes would soon follow. His meetings with his good friends from Cambell’s and his solitude in the fields were environments where he thrived.

Allen worked hard on the farm and at Campbell’s Soup until 1986 when he retired. Retirement allowed him to have just one job, working on the farm. Allen’s orchards flourished and he and Marjorie were able to do a little traveling along with farm duties. Allen’s favorite places were the beach or a National Park. The kids actually convinced the folks to vacation in Disneyland one year. Up until that time they had never heard their father cuss but those LA freeways got the best of him. They never went to Disneyland again or any other big city on vacation.

Marjorie passed away after a long illness in 1989. Marjorie and Allen were married almost 31 years. Allen continued to garden and travel a little to see nearby relatives. Allen and Marilyn took a trip together to the Grand Canyon the following year and had fun hiking, birdwatching and sightseeing. One bright light in Allen’s life was Christopher who was his first grandchild by Russ. Allen and Marjorie looked forward to Christopher’s visits, and spoke of him often. Later Russ would marry Cherry Farewell and welcome Michael as the next grandson.

Allen’s daughter Marilyn met the love of her life, Leon in 1991. He was a farmer/dairyman which Allen loved. They were married in 1993 and continued the, “Grandson Run” when Brevin was born in 1995. Conner was born in 1998 and so the family was complete. Allen’s later years were spent playing with grandsons and quiet walks tending his orchards. Allen left the orchards at the age of 90 and settled into nights in front of the fireplace, days sitting on the porch with Fenway the Lab and Hank the Border Collie and gardening around the house. He had a hard time sitting, so he tried to keep busy, he contributed by growing the best flowers and vegetables for the family dinner table.

Allen suffered a stroke in August of 2015 but completely recovered and was home a week later. He would later suffer from urinary tract infections but despite hospitalizations would always be able to return home to the farm. Allen entered Hospice care on August 27 after suffering a severe stroke on August 25th. Allen Roberts died peacefully on September 2nd surrounded by loving family on the farm he had known for 91 years. We find comfort knowing that he is with his family in heaven and think of him daily. What a blessing to raise a family, Walton style” with grandparents in the house! Goodnight Leon, goodnight Marilyn, goodnight Brevin, goodnight Conner….Goodnight grandpa.