South Whidbey resident and artist Leslie Roberts died July 3, 2002.

She was born Dec. 7, 1930, to Leslie and Mildred Davis.

For over 37 years, she was the loving and loyal wife of Billy D. Roberts. After his death in 1987 she embarked on many adventures, including trips to Europe and England. When she was well into her 50s she returned to school to study art.

She was an artist for almost all of her adult life, learning watercolor, oil, pen and pencil and photography before finding her artistic voice in china and tole painting. She achieved master artist status as a china painter and won many awards for china and tole painting. She was proud when a piece of her work was shown as part of an exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution.

She was honored to be one of the first female members of the South Whidbey Lions Club, as well as the first woman to be its president.

Mrs. Roberts is survived by a sister, Sharon Norell of Fresno, Calif.; children, Elaine Vogassaris of Squaw Valley, Calif., Robin Roberts and William Roberts of Langley; and sons-in-law Kimon Vogassaris and Jim Wescott.

Mrs. Roberts’ spirit and heart will shine forever in her surviving grandchildren — Sarah Roberts of Bellingham; Rachael Wescott, Annie Wescott, Natasha Roberts, and Challana Roberts, all of Langley; and Emily Wescott of Everett.

In lieu of flowers her family asks that donations be made to either the American Diabetes Association or the South Whidbey Lions Club.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Freeland, at 2 p.m. July 12.