Antonia Roberts

Our beloved sister Antonia Toni A. Roberts, 96, of Odessa, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012.

She was born April 18, 1916 in Escota, Texas to Diego G. Alvarado and Guadalupe Salazar Alvarado. She was the eleventh of fourteen children. Her parents came to this country in 1904, living in Raton, New Mexico. Due to severe weather they moved to Odessa in 1906.

Toni graduated from Odessa High School in 1933. After graduation Toni worked for the John Evans family as a cook and babysitter. Later Toni worked at the Jack Nolan Photography Studio. There she met Paul R. Roberts, a WWII veteran. Upon Mr. Nolans retirement, Toni and Paul, having married in August 1953, took over the studio, which became Roberts Studio. Both enjoyed gardening and traveling in the northwest. Both loved music and enjoyed dancing.

Toni excelled at cooking, baking, needlework, embroidery and sewing. She learned the art of ceramics and took up upholstery at Odessa College. She excelled in her photography work and was also a painter.

Toni was well read and kept informed of current events. Toni helped her parents raise nine nephews and nieces, and enabled her two sisters to further their careers. She gave loving care to her parents in their later years. She also provided care to her beloved Paul when he was stricken with severe arthritis.

Survivors include two sisters, Maria D. Alvarado and Nicolasa Alvarado, both of Odessa nephews, Lewis Fernandez and Felix Betty Fernandez, Odessa nieces, Olivia Fernandez, Big Spring Elia Warren, Vancouver, Washington Olivia Torres, Mexico City Erlinda Eagleton, Wimberley Lupe Alvarado, Midland Judy Alvarado, Austin Gloria Scott Bales, Corpus Christi Sandra Alvarado, Austin and Brenda Alvarado, Odessa. Toni is also survived by many great nephews and nieces and great great nephews and nieces.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our grandniece, Sharon Pugh, Tonis primary care giver for eighteen months, Home Hospice staff, and special thanks to Flora Fay House, Priscilla Smith and Adrianne McGehee.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012 at St. Marys Catholic Church with Reverend Santiago Udayar officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Alvarado, Jamie Alvarado, Lewis Fernandez, Felix Fernandez, Dennis Alvarado and Dan Essary.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
5:00 7:00 P.M.

Service

Funeral Service

St. Marys Catholic Church
612 East 18th Street
Odessa, TX  79761
Thursday, October 25, 2012
2:00 P.M.

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762