Lynda Roberts

Lynda Lou Roberts, lovingly known to her family as "Gam", passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1944, in Columbus, Ohio, Lynda was truly a gift to all who knew her. She spent her entire life in West Jefferson, Ohio, a community she loved deeply and proudly called home. A graduate of West Jefferson High School's Class of 1962, she embraced the traditions that made her hometown special and was honored to be named West Jefferson Ox Roast Queen, a memory she treasured.

On September 15, 1963, she married the love of her life, Raymond Roberts. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage, building a home filled with unwavering love, laughter, and countless treasured memories.

Lynda was preceded in death by her beloved parents, John and Betty King.

She leaves behind the love of her life, her husband, Raymond Roberts; her sister, Sherry Lilly; her brothers, John (Kathy) King and Jimmy (Linda) King; her son, Todd (Birdie) Roberts; her daughter, Melissa (Roger) Jester; her cherished grandchildren, Tyler (Madison) Jester, Megan (Zach) Thomas, Connor (Kayla Packman) Roberts, Coren (Brandon) McKay, Earl (Alexis) Braithwaite, and Hunter (Kylie) Braithwaite; along with 15 adored great-grandchildren, all of whom were the greatest joys of her life.

Lynda's career reflected her incredible work ethic and caring nature. Following graduation, she began working at Nationwide Insurance before spending time with Conrail. She later dedicated over 30 years to Tolles Career & Technical Center, where she formed lasting friendships and touched countless lives. Even after retirement, Lynda wasn't ready to slow down. She worked part-time at Piccadillies of London, where she happily admitted the job gave her the perfect excuse to fuel her love of antiques and unique vintage treasures.

To know Lynda was to know kindness.

She possessed an extraordinary gift for making people feel loved, welcomed, and comforted. If someone was hurting, uncertain, or simply needed a hug, everyone knew they could turn to Gam. Her gentle spirit, patient heart, and unconditional love became the foundation of her family, creating a legacy that will continue for generations.

She had a remarkable eye for beauty and creativity. A talented artist with impeccable penmanship, Lynda could turn even the simplest handwritten note into something worth saving forever. Family members often joked that she held a "Ph.D. in ironing," a testament to the pride she took in caring for her home and those she loved.

Her kitchen was another place where love came naturally. Family gatherings wouldn't have been complete without Grandma King's famous meatballs, Lynda's unforgettable French Crème Mint Brownies, or her beloved Monster Cookies. Her recipes became family traditions, and every bite carried the warmth and care she poured into everything she made.

Lynda found joy in gardening, collecting antiques, and surrounding herself with beautiful things from the past. She especially loved collecting Santa Claus figurines, a fitting passion for someone born on Christmas Day who spent her life bringing joy to others. Among her favorite possessions was her cherished Volkswagen convertible bug affectionately named "Daisy," which perfectly reflected her fun-loving spirit. And when she and Raymond had the chance to get away, there was no place they loved more than Myrtle Beach, where they enjoyed countless vacations and the simple joy of being together.

Yet none of these hobbies compared to what mattered most, her family.

Being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was her life's greatest purpose. She celebrated every milestone, soothed every heartache, and somehow always knew exactly what to say when someone needed encouragement. She taught her family that love is shown through everyday acts of kindness, selfless service, handwritten notes, warm meals, and simply being present.

Although her family grieves the loss of her earthly presence, they find comfort knowing her love remains woven into every tradition she created, every recipe she passed down, every antique with a story to tell, every blooming flower in the garden, and every memory shared around the family table.

Her legacy is one of quiet strength, endless generosity, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lynda's life on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home, 1355 West Main Street, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will take place afterward at Hampton Cemetery in West Jefferson. A Celebration of Life will follow the burial at the West Jefferson Community Center, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable life of a woman who made everyone around her feel loved.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Darlene McKay for the extraordinary love, personal care, and compassionate nursing she provided to Lynda throughout the past year. Her selfless devotion brought comfort not only to Lynda but to the entire family during a difficult time.

The family also wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the ViaQuest Hospice team, especially April, Lena, and Max, for the kindness, compassion, guidance, and comfort they provided throughout Lynda's final journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Lynda's memory by extending kindness to someone in need, comforting a loved one, baking something to share, planting a flower, or simply spending time with your family, because those were the things that meant the most to “our Gam.”