Marie Ratliff Roberts

Marie Ratliff Roberts, age 98, died on July 8, 2025. Marie was born in Jasper, Florida to Oscar and Julia Ratliff. She graduated from Jasper High School in 1944 and attended Brenau College for one year before transferring to Florida State College for Women, from which she graduated in 1948 in the first class after the name had been changed to Florida State University, with a degree in home economics. After teaching high school home economics in Jasper for one year, she accepted a position as a home economist for South Carolina Electric and Gas in Charleston, South Carolina. While she was in Charleston, the wife of a pastor who had served Methodist churches both in Jasper and Groveland arranged for her to meet Arthur Roberts, a Groveland native who was a cadet at The Citadel. Sparks flew, and Marie and Arthur were married on June 17, 1951, and were married for 46 years until his death in 1997. During the first two years of their marriage, Arthur served out his commission in the Air Force, with Arthur and Marie spending one of those years in Weisbaden, Germany. Following time in the service, Arthur completed law school at the University of Florida, and Marie and Arthur returned to Groveland in 1961 to open his law office there and raise their family. Marie was a devoted mother involved in her children’s activities and community, volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den mother, Little League mother, and school volunteer. She was an active member of Edge Memorial United Methodist Church, over the years holding positions as Sunday School teacher for all ages, youth director, officer of United Methodist Women, administrative council chairperson, lay leader, treasurer, and church historian. In 1977, with her youngest starting college, she came to “fill in” between secretaries at Arthur’s law practice, which turned into a 17-year stint as a legal secretary until her retirement in 1994. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed homemaking, reading, crocheting (gifted around 150 crocheted Christmas stockings over the years and countless afghans), sewing, word puzzles, and traveling. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her “Ree,” were the apples of her eye, and she cherished the time spent with each of them. She led a life of service to others, and her kindness left a mark on all those with whom she came into contact. She is survived by daughter Julie Law (Bill), son Mark Roberts (Marie); grandchildren Catherine Law Willwerth, Caroline Law Mendez, Ryan Roberts, Matthew Roberts and Rachel Roberts; and seven great-grandchildren. Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 am at Edge United Methodist Church, Groveland, Florida, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Edge United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 87, Groveland, FL 34736, designated for the Vera Gilbert Building Fund. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Marie Ratliff Roberts

March 7, 1927 - July 8, 2025