Jeffrey Dirk Roberts

Jeffrey Dirk Roberts, 63, of Boise, Idaho, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at home following a brief respiratory illness. He was found kneeling at his bedside as if he had been praying and peacefully drifted off to sleep.

Jeffrey was born June 11, 1957, in Rexburg, Idaho, the fifth of twelve children born to Merlin Mortimer Roberts and Norma Birch Roberts. On October 12, 1978, he married his sweetheart, Lori Wadsworth in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As cherished companions, he and Lori supported and served one another with a deep and devoted love, eventually welcoming four children and 14 grandchildren.

Jeffrey grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A reflective, intelligent, independent, and focused individual, he began working at an early age, including as a paper carrier, in the Post Register mailroom, and also for Boise Cascade. He progressed through the ranks of Scouting, embodying the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Jeffrey graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1975. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 1976 was called to serve in the Massachusetts Boston Mission, speaking Portuguese. Several months into his mission, his assignment changed to the South Africa Johannesburg Mission and he completed his time there in 1978 after two-years of service, speaking both the Portuguese and Afrikaans languages. Throughout his missionary service he wrote letters to his darling Lori, and they married shortly after his return to Idaho.

Together they moved to Provo, UT where he attended Brigham Young University and received both an Associate of Arts University Studies degree in 1981 and a Bachelor of Science Finance degree in 1982. He accomplished these degrees in a staggering two-and-a-half years while also working full-time and simultaneously welcoming the first two of four children with Lori, which was a credit to his bold determination and practical work-ethic, as well as Lori’s unwavering and capable support. After completing his schooling, the family moved to Boise, Idaho where their final two children were born, and Jeffrey worked with Banker’s Life, MONY, and the Principal Financial Group. Ever the organized and particular professional, he had his eyes on the stock market and financial planning until his passing. Throughout adulthood he consistently served in many capacities within Scouting and in the Church. He helped, taught, and counseled, as both an incredibly involved scout leader and also as a Bishop, Counselor in the Stake Presidency, and as an ordinance worker in the Boise Idaho Temple. He woke early each morning and put on his shoes and went to work, often to be found silently shoveling snow from the neighborhood, church, and temple sidewalks; trimming bushes and trees for neighbors; or helping a friend move, even when he wasn’t asked.

Jeffrey was a quiet and private man, but he had a tender affection for his family. He took his role as a husband and father very seriously. His devotion and great commitment to his wife and children and to their successes earned him their loyalty; he wanted the best for them and was an anchor in the home and a steady force for good. They knew they were adored by him and that he was incredibly proud of them. He set an example of faith, and together with Lori, raised four children to love and trust the Lord. But he really came into his own as a grandfather, who his grandchildren affectionately called, “Papa.” He played games, gave gifts, listened to hours of stories while the children climbed all over him, pulling things out of his front pocket or holding his phone while they watched something together. It was a highlight of his life to love them! He also absolutely enjoyed telling family history stories, taking and sharing photos, and working on family history. He had a gift for remembering the dates and details of special anniversaries and showed his love with these remembrances. He had a sensitive heart but often guarded his tenderness with a calm, serious demeanor. We already miss his steady, wise presence.

Above all, he had a deep abiding faith in God. He dutifully studied the scriptures his entire life. He had faith in every footstep; no matter what adversity or tragedy he faced, his faith in God and in the gospel never wavered – in fact, it was strengthened and deepened.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife, Lori; his beloved children, Kelsey (Benjamin) Dean of Tucson, AZ, Jared (Mikail) Roberts of Tucson, AZ, Brandon (Melody) Roberts of Queen Creek, AZ; and Brittney “Neena” (Seth) Warburton of Lehi, UT; his precious and adored grandchildren, Samuel, Isaac, and Lyra Dean, William, Wesley, Eden, and Dane Roberts, Charlotte, Kathryn, and Victoria Roberts, and Shaely, Jonathan, David, and Grace Warburton; mother, Norma Roberts of St. George, UT; and siblings, Norma Jean (Roger, deceased) Nelson of Salem, OR, Kent (Ardis) Roberts of Idaho Falls, ID, Susanne (Kirk) Nielsen of Idaho Falls, ID, Teresa Alldredge of Fillmore, UT, Melanie (Robert) Hardy of St. George, UT, Patricia Evans of Albany, OR, Shawn (Tammy) Roberts of Idaho Falls, ID, Rose Roberts of Tooele, UT, and Matthew (Andrea) Roberts of Orem, UT. He was preceded in death by his father, Merlin Roberts; sister, Bonnie (Danny, deceased) Moss, and infant sister, Amy.

Honorary Pallbearers will be William Roberts, Samuel Dean, Wesley Roberts, Jonathan Warburton, Isaac Dean, David Warburton, and Dane Roberts.

A memorial service for family will be held Monday, February 8, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Relyea Funeral Chapel in Boise. Services will be available to stream online at link below.

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