Jayne Gayle Roberts January 29, 1925 - July 05, 2019

Jayne Gayle Roberts, 94, of Callao, passed away peacefully on July 5th, 2019 at Samaritan Hospital with her family at her side.

Jayne was born on January 29th, 1925 in Macon, Missouri, the daughter of Ramey Alan and Margaret Louise Gilstrap Anderson.

Jayne was raised in Callao and spoke fondly of the time in which she grew up, wishing “everyone knew what it was like. We had nothing but didn’t know it.”

Jayne spoke of the tragedy of losing her dad at age 3 and looked forward to meeting him again one day (now she has). Jayne graduated from Callao High School in 1943. Her first job was at the bank in Macon. She was shy once! But when she became employed at the telephone office, she really “came out of her shell.” She enjoyed this job immensely and regrets no one gets to do this now. She also worked in Kansas City and Callao, where the last actual job she had was at the Callao bank. She also regularly submitted news articles to the paper until a few years ago. Of course, she helped on the farm with Rowland every spare second.

Jayne’s involvement outside of work was extensive: she was a member of the Callao Legion Auxiliary, a founding member of the Good Intentions Club, contributed to the Callao Fiesta, and until her passing the longest living member of Callao Christian Church. There is so much more it would be impossible to list them all. She loved talking on the phone and making and sending cards and gifts; she believed everyone should communicate and love one another. She loved researching genealogy and was perhaps the world’s oldest, active Facebook patron, despite struggles with the computer. ☺

Jayne enjoyed church so much: she loved seeing children involved and learning, supported our young men preaching, and young families blossoming in the Lord together. She prayed for virtually everyone she loved every day, and even for people she had not yet met, that they would come to know the love of God and the love of the people of Callao.

On July 12th, 1945, she married Louis Rowland Roberts, to whom she was married for 69 years. They lived in South Bend, Indiana for awhile after Rowland got out of the service.

They came back to Missouri for Rowland to farm and raise a family. Jayne was a great cook and Sunday dinners at her house were special. Jayne’s little Jack Russell dog, Lucy, entertained her to the end. She was always excited to see her great-grandchildren and family in general, speaking fondly of many family reunions and after-church lunches. She was able to see two of her great-grandsons preach, even at another church. She was proud of all their accomplishments, their involvement in the community, in church, and at their workplaces.

At the age of 92, she went to her first football game. It was Senior night in Macon, and she sat next to Coach Dunn and got a hug and a handshake from Shane when he came out on the field.

Jayne extensively wrote poems and published one book of them and was working on a second. Jayne was also an avid genealogist as well as a local historian. Her collection of Callao memorabilia is unmatched.

Jayne is survived by her two children, Rick Roberts (Joyce) of Callao, MO, and Janna Roberts Craig (Jay) of Griggsville, IL, son-in-law, James Brennan of Excello. Nine grandchildren, Troy Coffman of Missouri, Lynn Reid of Macon, Josh Craig (Julie), Jill Buchanan (Corey) of Griggsville, IL and Gayla Risley (Lance) all of Pittsfield, IL, Tara Roberts Eppy of Hartsburg, MO, Kara Cook (Mike) of Callao, Kalena Bingaman (Jared) of Macon, and Ross Roberts (Hannah) of Callao, 17 great grandchildren, 3 inherited grandchildren, 10 inherited great grandchildren and 4 inherited great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her half-sister Judy Howard, her daughter Nancy Lee Brennan, and her daughter Carol Ann who passed in infancy.

Jayne always said she couldn’t die because “she wasn’t done talking yet.” ☺ The family thinks she would want everyone to know that she is doing great, reunited with many loved ones, not to worry, and to remember to love, communicate with, and pray for everyone in your life. Everyone was precious to Jayne, and she wants you to know that, and everyone to know that!

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Callao Christian Church in Callao, MO, with Bro. Josh Stucki officiating. Burial will be in the Locust Grove Cemetery in Callao, MO. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm, Friday evening, at the Callao Christian Church Family Life Center in Callao, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home.

Memorials to Callao Christian Church Preacher Boy Program, American Legion Auxiliary Post #360, or the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association.