Carol Weese Roberts of Libby

Carol Weese Roberts, 72, died on Sept. 30, 2016 in hospice care at Kalispell Regional Hospital. 

She was born to Alfred and Marie Weese (Brooks) on May 19, 1944 in Alexandria, La., and was the oldest of five children. Carol was a vivacious Georgia peach. After graduation from Grady Memorial Hospital Nursing Program in Atlanta at 22 years old, she launched out on her own in her brand new Galaxie LTD baby blue coup. Her trip to the West began her travel adventures which included a memorable stop at the Grand Canyon where several staff members bet against her success to hike the canyon in her penny loafers. She succeeded but had a few less toenails from her accomplishment. She continued to love travel and had many great trips and cruises with her loving husband Gary. One of her childhood dreams was to see the Panama Canal and this was the couple’s final trip.

She found her way to California and worked as a surgical nurse and Gary was enthralled that this energetic, good looking bright woman would give him the time of day. Boy was she something! The couple married in June 1968 and their only child, Kevin Donald was born in December 1969. He was the delight of their life. She thoroughly enjoyed watching him grow and had many stories to share of his delightful antics. However, her health problems began when Kevin was three years old. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and her prayer was to see Kevin grow up. She succeeded again. He’s now 46 years old.

In 1976, the family relocated to Libby where Gary had grown up. She believed that Montana, despite the cold temperature and small town with the “three-minute wonder” newspaper would be the best choice to raise their son. She loved their house on the river and every day relished the views of the river, the eagles and the beautiful mountains throughout every season of the year. Although she moved to Montana, she kept her connection to Atlanta and made frequent trips there so that Kevin could know his cousins and family there.

At the 75th anniversary of the American Cancer Society in 1988, Carol was chosen by the state chapter to represent Montana at their celebration in Washington, D.C. She was chosen for her commitment to breast cancer treatment and recovery including doing ongoing “Reach to Recovery” classes in the Libby community. At the anniversary gathering, the attendees and their spouses were invited to the Rose Garden to meet President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Carol loved parlor games and socializing and learned bridge from her in-laws. She left party bridge behind to engage competitively in duplicate bridge. Later she had to give up her bridge and being more involved in the community due to her health status. She loved color, art and music and filled her house with what she loved. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and did the card ministry for many years. Gary and she often shared their holiday home with seniors and others who did not have family nearby.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Janet and her nephew Jerry. She is survived by her husband Gary of Libby and her son Kevin (Christy) of Colorado Springs and two granddaughters, Kelsey and Kacie, and two great granddaughters. Also surviving are siblings Roger of Georgia, Janice Ambrose (Al) of Georgia and Sharon of Alabama.

Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Roberts Smythe officiating.

Burial will follow at the Libby Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.