Evelyn June (Cox) Roberts

Tribute to Evelyn June (Cox) Roberts

Evelyn June (Cox) Roberts of Overland Park passed peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Family surrounded her in her home. Evelyn was a remarkable woman whose legacy of love, dedication, and community spirit will forever be cherished. She was born on October 3, 1929, in Elsmore, Kansas, and was the middle child of Lloyd and Golda (Ard) Cox. From a young age, she demonstrated a zest for life, participating in sports as the center of her basketball team, playing softball, running track, and being a cheerleader at Elsmore Schools.

After graduating from high school, Evelyn's journey took her to Iola, where she worked at Heisler’s Grocery store before marrying the love of her life, Gordon Leroy Roberts, on August 9, 1949. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising three children: Michael, Fredie, and Cynthia. Evelyn's role as a housewife was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family and community. She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader and an active church volunteer.

In 1970, Evelyn and Gordon embarked on a new adventure, opening the Roberts Double T (Tastee Freeze) restaurant in Chanute. For 24 years, Evelyn's warmth and hospitality made the restaurant a beloved local spot. Her famous saying, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean,” resonated with her staff and reflected her strong work ethic.

After selling the restaurant in 1994, Evelyn and Gordon moved to Osawatomie, where they continued to enrich their community. Evelyn's involvement with the Red Hat Society and her role as president showcased her leadership and vibrant personality. Evelyn and Gordon returned to work as employees at the Whistle Stop restaurant until 2011, when they finally retired at the age of 83.

Evelyn's later years were spent in Olathe, where she and Gordon became Welcome Ambassadors at The Gardens of Creekside in 2015. In 2018, they moved to Stratford Commons in Overland Park and became active residents, with Evelyn spending many years of leadership as the Residential Council President. Evelyn was blessed to have staff and fellow residents who truly respected and cared for her, affectionately nicknaming her “Mama” or "Queen Evelyn".

Evelyn's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who carry forward her values of love, kindness, and community service. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, sister, and the love of her life, Gordon. Survivors include her children, Mike Roberts, wife Jean; Fred Roberts, wife Becky; and Cindy Schooley, husband David. She had four grandchildren: Tammie Kelly, husband Kevin; Daniel Roberts and Rachel Serafin; Aaron Schooley; and Tyler Schooley. She also had four great-grandchildren: Kira Harwood, Kristen Kelly, Kyle Kelly, and his fiancée, Kyra Halvorsen, and Shane Serafin. In addition, she is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children.

Evelyn's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and community. Her memory will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to all who knew her. As we celebrate her life, we will remember her with gratitude and joy, knowing that her spirit will continue to guide and uplift us.

Evelyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church of both Chanute and Osawatomie. A Celebration of Life will be held for Evelyn on Monday, May 12th, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church, 504 Pacific Ave, Osawatomie, KS, 66064. Visitation at 10:30 am, Services at 11:00 am, followed by a luncheon in the Church basement. Memorial contributions are to the First United Methodist Church and may be sent c/o The Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 430, Osawatomie, KS 66064.