Marcile Roberts James

Marcile Roberts James, 97, left us in the early morning of December 28, 2024, for the large and happy family reunion on the other side of the veil with Dad, her parents, nine brothers and sisters, and a multitude of friends – surely such a joyous reunion that we almost feel bad being left out! No one did family better than Mom – she personified the value of family, on earth and beyond the veil. 

Marcile was born February 2, 1927, in Shelley, Idaho and raised in the nearby potato-growing community of Jameston, the seventh of ten children born to Dee Aroll (Dave) Roberts and Mable Anderson Roberts. She lived next door, across the street, and down the road from grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It framed her childhood and the rest of her life as a part of her never left Idaho and the bonds she formed there. She spoke of her mother as (almost) perfect, and she has been looking forward to being with her again.

Mom never let us forget she was good at math, a champion speller, and very good at softball. Work was a defining characteristic of her life – up early and getting things done. She reminded us she could pick more potatoes during the harvest than anyone else in the field. It was a devastating time when her three older brothers were called to serve in the war and two were killed in action. Her oldest brother called her “silly Mar” – a nickname she loved. A few years after high school, she came to school at Utah State University in Logan and met Dad. As he approached graduation, she decided she wanted to marry a returned missionary so to encourage that end, she left for the Texas-Louisiana mission. Dad took the hint and left for the Great Lakes mission as soon as he graduated. Upon his return, he made a beeline to Shelley with a ring in his pocket and a commitment to enter an engagement. 

Mom and Dad were married on August 14, 1952, in the Idaho Falls temple, and they enjoyed 64 years of marriage together on earth. Mom was a dedicated and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, and it was a foundation for her and dad’s life together. She served in many callings, especially enjoying Relief Society; but perhaps her favorite service was in reaching out to those who needed a meal or a visit. She and Dad also served two missions when dad retired. 

Of course, Mom’s greatest joys came from her family. She and Dad were so proud of their six children, and both church service and education were hallmark teachings in our home. She has missed Dad deeply since he passed six years ago, but her family has filled some of the void: MarLynn Gardner of Orem, Utah; Randy (Ruth) James of Caldwell, Idaho; David James of Hyde Park; Mark (Paige) James of West Bountiful, Utah, Lisa (Neal) Oman of Issaquah, Washington, and Rebekah (Mike) Nielsen of Hyde Park, Utah. She has 24 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and many more to come – she loved children so very much and we feel certain she is already at work with her extended family (both future and past) on the other side!

Silly Mar was a fighter to the end, and we rejoice in the grand life and example she left us along with the hope of reuniting together with God in the future. A Graveside Service will be held on January 4, 2025, at 10:00, following which interment will be in the Hyde Park Cemetery – look for the beautiful green rock headstone made from Park Valley rock. A Remembrance gathering will be held, starting at 11:30 at the church building at 65 E. Center St, Hyde Park, Utah. Condolences and memories may be shared online at https://www.allenmortuaries.net/obituaries

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com