Ann Esty Roberts' Obituary
Ann Esty Roberts, age 89 of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 25, 2025 from end stage Parkinson’s Disease. She was born on December 23, 1935, in Unadilla, New York, to Bill and Helen Esty. Ann graduated from Shorewood High School and Carroll College in Wisconsin. She married the Reverend Doctor Maurice E. Roberts and they embarked on their worldwide Navy career. She was a devoted mother, Navy spouse volunteer, quilter extraordinaire, and faithful Christian servant throughout her life.
During their Navy career, the family moved 15 times. Ann led the family during the moves and deployments with grit and strength. She consistently volunteered in Navy family support organizations and led the largest Navy Wives Club as President of Awa la Wahine (Women of the sea) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Throughout her life, Ann enjoyed painting and was an accomplished seamstress. She described quilting as her “artistic expression.” While in Little Rock, she was the fifth president of the Arkansas Quilter’s Guild. When Maury and Ann moved to Fayetteville, she founded Q.U.I.L.T. “Quilters United In Learning Together” in August 1985. With monthly meetings, national speakers, and bi-annual quilt shows, QUILT is a hallmark organization for the art.
Ann was exceptionally strong in her faith; she sang in church choirs all her life. She volunteered six years for the Presbytery of Arkansas, served as Deacon at the First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, and led Vespers at Butterfield Trail Village for many years.
Ann was proud of her family’s history and was a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists.
She is survived by her son Steve (Susan) Roberts of Marshall, Wisconsin; daughters Bronwyn (Dano) Fillion of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and Gwyneth (Mark) Baker of Friendswood, Texas; and four grandchildren, Nick and Rachel Baker, Lauren and Daniel Fillion; sister Rousty Harris of Scottsdale, Arizona, and brother Warren (Najaria) Esty of Cove, Oregon.
She will be remembered as a loving mom and Christian woman, proud Navy spouse, accomplished quilt artist, beloved resident of Butterfield Trail Village, and friend to all.
The memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., November 10, 2025 at Butterfield Trail Village, 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703. Burial will be at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Association. To leave a tribute, please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville.
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