Linda Jo Roberts

Linda Jo Roberts, 63, passed away on January 2, with her family by her side in Sisters, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born November 10, 1946, in Bay City, Michigan to Ron and Sarah (Shaw) Rockwood. She was the oldest of five siblings. She and her family moved to San Mateo, California in 1960. Linda graduated from San Mateo High School and attended San Francisco State College.

In the early '70s she moved to Newport. Animals always played a major role in Linda's life and from an early age she thought it would be wonderful to have a career working with animals. This dream became a reality when she was hired as the Executive Director of the Central Coast Humane Society. Linda described this as "the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine!"

She married Doug Roberts in 1989 and together they co-owned and operated a large real estate brokerage in Newport for over 20 years while raising their family. Linda and Doug would often vacation in Sisters, eventually making it home in 2000. After moving, she became a licensed Certified Residential Appraiser and practiced in the area.

Linda donated her time to various charities in Newport and Sisters. She was proud to receive the Kay Shineflug Children's Advocacy Center Humanitarian Award. She was an avid reader who volunteered with the SMART program at Sisters Elementary School.

Her favorite quote: "We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath."

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Doug Roberts; sons, Todd Gallagher and Lance Roberts; daughters, Kimmberly Ann Roberts and Shawn Marie Shepard-Mate; granddaughters, Kelly Ann Gallagher, Quincy Idanha Drew Shepard-Mate, Riplee Ann and Gabrielle Cheyenne Lacy; loving parents, Ron and Sarah Rockwood; sisters, Beth Sperring, Debra Minard and Rhonda Rockwood; and brother, Kris Rockwood.

She was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Wolff Shepard.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 16, 1 p.m. at Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 68825 Brooks Camp Rd., Sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to: Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, 19344 Innes Market Rd., Bend, OR 97701; Hospice of Redmond-Sisters 732 S.W. 23rd, Redmond, OR 97756; SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) c/o Bend-LaPine School District, 520 N.W. Wall St., Room #218, Bend, OR 97701.