Violet Roberts

Violet Roberts, 94, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Avantara in Milbank.

Private graveside services were held at LaBolt Cemetery near LaBolt, SD.

Violet Bernice Roberts was born on February 11, 1931, to Danish immigrants Julius and Ester (Jepsen) Christensen in Odessa, Minnesota. She was baptized with Jens and Lena Larsen as her sponsors and was raised in a family of nine siblings. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1949.

She married Frank Roberts on November 24, 1949, at Tabor Lutheran Church in Strandburg, South Dakota. They lived on a farm south of LaBolt, South Dakota, for ten years before purchasing a farm along Highway 15, south of Milbank. Their farmyard became a well-known landmark and showplace for many years.

Violet had a passion for gardening. She attended horticulture classes in Minnesota and received the title of Master Gardener from the University of Minnesota. Later, she took additional horticulture classes at South Dakota State University, where she also earned the Master Gardener title. With this training, she conducted many informational programs. She was employed at a local nursery for eleven years while maintaining several private flower gardens as well as her own large gardens. As a licensed nursery, she grew and sold many potted perennials from her home. Violet was a member of the Milbank and Country Garden Club and often hosted the club’s annual garden parties and open houses. These events attracted many visitors, including students and faculty from the University of South Dakota. She also taught Sunday School for ten years, six of those as superintendent, and helping with church summer school. Frank and Violet spent many winters in South Texas, where they enjoyed the climate and activities such as baking, dancing, and swimming. Violet continued her gardening there as well, raising and displaying new southern plants in her beautiful yard. Frank passed away in 2010, and Violet most recently resided in Milbank.

She is survived by sons: Jim Roberts of Big Stone City, SD; and Gene Roberts of Big Stone City, SD; daughters: Mary Bamberg of Sacramento, CA; and Linda Loehrer of LaBolt, SD; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents: Julius and Ester Christensen; her husband of 61 years, Frank Roberts; and infant son; four sisters; four brothers; and one son-in-law.