Edna Ruth Roberts

Edna Ruth Roberts, age 100, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on June 17, 2026.  She was born in Smyth County, Virginia to the late Alex and Belle Roberts.  Edna was a Rosie the Riveter during World War II and continued on as a welder until the age of 60 when she retired from North American Rockwell.  She began her career working on aircraft carriers and ended her career working on space ships that went to the moon.  Edna was extremely generous.  She helped lift many family members out of poverty, providing them a place to stay until they could get on their feet.  In 1962, during a time when women could not even get credit cards in their own name, she bought a house all by herself without a co-signer.  She was a true trailblazer.  Edna was endlessly kind to everyone.  She was beloved by her church family at Walnut Heights Baptist Church where she had been a member since 1974.  She was predeceased by her best friend, Virginia Greene; her parents; 11 brothers and sisters; niece, Judy Francis and great-niece, Stephanie Moore.  She is survived by her nieces, Paula (James), Joanne and Mary; great-nephews, Benjamin, Adam, Dean and Jason; friends, Jo, Chris, Kerby, Patsy and Dick and their children, Patti, Rich and Krissy; neighbors, Sharon and Jerry.  Friends may call Monday from 4-7 pm and Tuesday from 9-10am at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 East Broad Street where a Funeral Service will begin at 10am.  Pastor Ralph Short, Officiating.  Burial to follow at Glenn Rest Memorial Estate.  Following the burial, family and friends are welcome to Walnut Heights Baptist Church for a bereavement meal. 

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