Teachers Remember Co-Worker Killed In Crash

A group of Moscow teachers gathered Thursday to share stories about teacher Shirley Roberts, who was killed this week in a car accident.

Roberts, 61, taught 28 years at Moscow’s West Park Elementary School. She and her husband, Leonard, 65, died Monday when their car slid on icy U.S. Highway 195 south of Rosalia, Wash., and hit a semi-truck.

The couple was returning from a medical appointment.

Roberts, who taught kindergarten through third grades, was planning to retire this year.

“The faculty got together to reminisce today,” said West Park Principal Marilyn Howard. “Everybody was so shaken.”

Until 1988, there was only one third grade class at West Park, so Roberts influenced 20 years worth of public school kids. She was well-regarded and believed in expecting the most from her students.

“The children really rose to the occasion and performed,” Howard said.

Roberts used to read aloud to her students and was known for her classroom book collection. She also treasured miniature figurines - mostly bears, the school’s mascot. A new one would decorate her desk every month.

“Students in October could look forward to a little bear in costume,” Howard said. “In November there’d be little pilgrim bears.”

Roberts also liked crocheting, gardening, camping and riding mini-bikes. Mostly, however, she liked spending time with her three grandchildren.

The Roberts were married in Middleton, Idaho, in 1956. Shirley Roberts graduated from the University of Idaho a year later; Leonard graduated the year after that.

Leonard worked as a commercial artist and, for a time, was employed at Washington State University.

The couple is survived by two sons and a daughter, several brothers and sisters and Shirley’s mother Ceicle Groff.

Viewing hours are noon to 9 p.m. today at Short’s Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the LDS Church on Mountain View Road in Moscow.

, DataTimes