Marlys Roberts

Though her last couple of years were challenging, Marlys lived a long life filled with love and adventure with her husband Lance-and after he died in 2007, many more years of love and contentment in the knowledge that her children and grandchildren, other family and friends held her in their hearts constantly.

Marlys was born and grew up in Ewen, Michigan, in a big house just outside the small town. She was the second-oldest of nine children born to Hilda (Sironen) Ojala and Sanford Ojala. The family was raised with Finnish traditions in the Lutheran faith. Marlys was an inspiration to her six younger sisters-Lois, Sharon, Elaine, Alice, Sara and Leah. She was the first sibling and playmate of her older brother Dan, and probably a marvel and mystery to the youngest, her brother Jim. After high school she enrolled at Suomi College in Hancock, Michigan. There she met her future husband, Lance Roberts of Ishpeming, while both were singing in the choir. They married at First Lutheran Church in Ewen in 1963.

Marlys completed her education at Northern Michigan University and became an elementary school teacher. After Lance completed his bachelor of divinity degree at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, they set out to fulfill their callings. Marlys was a creative, caring and resourceful teacher, and 4th graders were her favorite. She primarily taught in elementary schools in Racine, Wisconsin, and Crystal Falls, Michigan, and she and Lance moved often for the parishes where he served: Stambaugh and Amasa in the U.P.; Kenosha, Wisconsin; and back to the U.P. in Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Republic. Once they both retired, they settled in Negaunee, where they built their dream house on Teal Lake.

They also raised three children-Beth, Meredith and Jay-who learned to expect sudden delightful adventures. Every time Marlys and Lance announced to the kids that they were going out to Big Boy for a ‘board meeting,’ it meant they were planning something great. Usually it was a trip, maybe overseas or to the American West, but sometimes it was something even more interesting, like inviting an exchange student to live with the family for a year. Birte Doenst from Germany and Hrvoje Jukic from Croatia both experienced life in the Roberts household, and will surely mourn the loss of their host mother Marlys.

As a musician who loved the church, Marlys spent many years playing piano and organ for the parishes where she and Lance served, and also directed and sang in the choirs. Before she moved into Memory Care at Brookridge Heights in Marquette in late 2023, she and her oldest daughter, Beth, sang together in the choir at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Once at Brookridge, she reveled in the many visiting musicians and the weekly hymn sings.

Her smile was memorable and often remarked upon. It arrived so readily, making everyone feel lighter. During her last weeks, a smile from Marlys felt like a rare gift.

And that is what she was, a rare gift. May she be in death as she was in life: beheld by God.

Her family sends heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and Memory Care in Marquette, Marquette County Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming, and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Marlys is survived by her three children: Beth Roberts of Marquette, Meredith Roberts (Dag Juhlin) of Woodstock, Illinois, and Lance J. Roberts Jr. (Susan Spaulding) of Negaunee; six grandchildren: Rosalie and Ivan Starenko, Sophie and Kai Juhlin, Miles Spaulding and Maija Roberts; her eight siblings, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming at noon on Saturday, August 9, with Bishop Emeritus Skrenes officiating. The ceremony will be preceded by a visitation at 11:00 a.m., and followed by a lunch at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Alzheimer’s Association, Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, or National Public Radio.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.