Patricia Roberts

Patricia Ann (Dennany) Roberts, age 87, of Portage, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 15, 1938, in Kalamazoo, she was the beloved daughter of Walter Joseph Dennany and Veda Edith (Pruden) Dennany.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Walter J. Dennany Jr., Leo J. Dennany, and John A. Dennany; her first husband, James Bieghler; her husband, Stanley Roberts; stepson Jimmy Roberts; son-in-law Kevin Yonkers; and sister-in-law Marilyn Dennany. She is survived by her brother Thomas J. Dennany, sisters-in-law Vicki Dennany and Suzanne (John) Jepson and many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A loving and devoted mother, Patricia is survived by her daughters: Judith (Kevin) Yonkers, Jane (Daniel) Bieghler-Jean, Jill Bieghler (Greg Santora), and Jennifer (Derek) Pearson. She embraced and loved her stepchildren, Jimmy (Patricia) Roberts, Kimberly Roberts, and Denise (David) Bratcher as her own.

Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: James Yonkers, Jordan Yonkers, Ryan Jean, Tori (Jill) Leibforth-Jean, Nicholas Bieghler, Noah Berkey, Liam Pearson, Everley Pearson, LeeAnn (Jason) Watson, Tera (Tim) Crichton, Jarrett (Emma) Nuyen, Robert Nuyen, Abby (William) Medsker, and David Bratcher, and through her great-grandchildren Alexander and Caleb, Harper and Palmer, and Madison and McKinley. Gramma Pat treasured each of them, taking great joy in supporting their milestones, accomplishments, and special everyday moments, always attending their sports games, music and school events. Memories we all hold dear.

Patricia married her first husband, Jim Bieghler, with whom she raised four daughters. She later married the love of her life, Stanley Roberts, on July 29, 1983, and they remained devoted to one another until his passing. Together they shared many years of companionship, laughter, and family gatherings, building a life filled with warmth and connection.

Patricia graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956 and later attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College. For most of her life, she was a stay-at-home mom and later worked for nearly 14 years with General Motors Corporation, serving as a welder in the metal assembly department and as a press operator in the press room. She was admired for her strong work ethic, dedication, impressive organizational skills, and the pride she took in every role she held.

Above all, our mom was defined by her love for her family. She was a nurturing mother not only to her four daughters, but also to the many foster children she welcomed into her home over the years. She led by example what it means to be strong, yet gentle at the same time, and how love shows up in everyday acts. Just by being who she was, she taught us all how to be good and kind people, to always do for others, how important it is to care about animals, and all creatures great and small. She showed us tenacity and strength and vulnerability. She was thoughtful and generous and gave to so many in need. She spent many years of her life as a caretaker to loved ones in her family. She was fun, and silly, loved live music and dancing, hot summer weather, and going "north" to the casino. Dementia may have taken her memories, but it never changed her heart. A beautiful soul, and we are thankful to have had her. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, loyalty, and the deep, steady love she gave to everyone, all the time. Her strength and her shine will live on, and we will carry her heart with us forever. A special lady we were blessed to call mom.

The family is profoundly grateful to the caregivers who surrounded her with kindness, dignity, and comfort in her final days. Words are not enough to express our appreciation for the love and support they provided. Thank you, Barbara, Matt, and Nicole, for your gentle care throughout the end of her life.

A very proud Irishwoman, Patricia embraced her family's heritage, and we will be honoring and celebrating her life around St. Patrick's Day with a gathering for friends and family.

Memorial contributions may be made to All Species Kinship (ASK) www.allspecieskinship.org, or a charity of your choice.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Patricia's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Roberts family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.