Business leader Roberts dies at 86

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | 9 a.m.

Henderson business leader Mary E. Roberts, the first woman to serve on the city's Planning Commission and as president of the town's Chamber of Commerce, died Sunday at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals' Rose de Lima campus. She was 86.

Roberts, the mother of former Henderson Councilman Dale Roberts, who served from 1963 to 1967 and died in 1998, was appointed to the Henderson Planning Commission in August 1973.

She was serving in her post as the first female leader of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce when she was named to the commission by the Henderson City Council.

Roberts also was the longtime owner of two Rob's Motels in Henderson. She also was a retired property developer.

Born Aug. 17, 1918, in Wheatland, Wyo., Roberts was a Southern Nevada resident for 52 years.

She was a past president of the Henderson Soroptimists and a member of the American Business Women's Association.

Roberts is survived by five granddaughters, Brenda Roberts and Dalene Haggen, both of Henderson, LaRaye Rowe of Fort Ogden, Fla., Aurienne Fator of Las Vegas and Durgaura Fator of Oroville, India; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She also was preceded in death by her husband John Roberts and a daughter, Myrtle Fator.

Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Henderson. Visitation is scheduled 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Thursday at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson.

The family suggests donations to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015.