Catherine Roberts

Roberts, Catherine E (Caron) 93, Carlisle formerly of Germantown passed away on Thursday evening, Dec. 8, 2011 surrounded by her family.  She was born in Dayton to the late Fern and Anna (Sheeley) Caron on Aug. 2, 1918.  She was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses:  Charles (Louise) Caron, Alveta (Harry) Garrett, Carl (Boots) Caron, Al (Gerry) Caron, Steven Caron and Great Granddaughter Grace Ann Shade. Catherine was a 1936 graduate of Dixie High School, New Lebanon, OH and moved to Germantown in 1941 when she married.  She retired from Inland Mfg, GM in 1982 with 24 years of service.  Her career at GM started in 1937 assembling refrigerators at Frigidaire and continued during WWII making rifles.  In 1949, she and her family moved to the family farm on Oxford Road where she raised 8 children, a garden, planted tobacco, baled hay, and made thousands of meals.  She was the first female bus driver hired by the Germantown School District in the 1950s.  She also owned the Dinner Bell Restaurant in the 1960s.Her generous spirit shined throughout her life!  She was a member of the Germantown United Methodist Church where she served many years as a Sunday School teacher.  She was a member of Ladies of Leisure and volunteered at Otterbein Home in Lebanon.  She was a Volunteer Crossing Guard for Germantown Elementary School for 13 years.  She was well known in the area for her sewing, inventive costumes and craft abilities which  included the poodle skirts for the Valley View High School production of “Grease.”  She always carried a needle and thread with her.  She could be seen on Friday nights riding the band bus making repairs or hemming uniforms.  She also assembled the large American Flag used by the Valley View HS Band.  She donated quilts, sock monkeys, Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls to various organizations for fundraisers.  She never turned away anyone that needed a warm meal or place stay. She passed along a love for adventure to her family!  She enjoyed many evenings roller skating and dancing.  She never hesitated to jump on theme park rides next to her grandchildren.  She taught many of her children and grandchildren how to drive on those beautiful country roads. Catherine was very proud of her family and their many accomplishments.  She is survived by her children Carl (Beverly) Roberts of Middletown, Jerry (Jeanette) Roberts of Indian Land, SC, Carol (David) Shade of  Germantown, Jean Powell  of Germantown, Janet (Coy) McKinney of Carlisle, Conrad (Bea) Roberts of Middletown, and Bill Roberts of Germantown, Cierra (Tim) Wright of Germantown, sister Eileen (Carl) Strobel of Sanford, Fl and Aunt Catherine Staten of Sanibel Island, Fl.  Special nephew and niece, Ron (Kay) Garrett and Deanna (Larry) Cottle and many cousins, nephews and nieces. She is survived by her grandchildren;  Tim Roberts, Anita (Troy) Sherrard, Tricia (Rich) Taylor, Chad (Sarah) Roberts, Tracy (Rick) Boyer, David Jr. (Michelle) Shade, Chris (Stacy) Shade, Kevin (Jennifer) Powell, Brandon (Mescal) Powell, Natalie (Tommy) Dautel, Fran McKinney, Mary McKinney, Jackie McKinney, Mandy (Ryan) Maddix, Jacob Roberts, Dustin Roberts. She is survived by 30 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.  Visitation will be on Monday, December 12, 2011 from 5-8 p.m. at Arpp and Root Funeral Home.  A celebration of her life will be held Tuesday December 13, 2011 10:30 a.m. at the Germantown United Methodist Church, 525 Farmersville Pike, Germantown, OH with visitation one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Crossroads Hospice of Centerville for the wonderful care she received or the Organ Fund at Germantown United Methodist Church for her love of music.