Marsha Dianne (Spielman) Roberts

Marsha Dianne Roberts, 67, of Caldwell passed away on November 17, 2016 at a Caldwell hospital.

Marsha was born in Beatrice, NE on February 10, 1949, to parents Otto F. Spielman, Jr. and Alma Zimmerman Spielman. She was the second of three daughters.

The family moved to Nampa, Idaho due to the persuasions of friends from Beatrice who had moved to Nampa two months earlier. At the time of the move, during that terrible 1948-1949 winter, Marsha was only six weeks old; sister Marlene was seven years old.

Marsha was confirmed from Trinity Lutheran Church in 1964 and graduated from Nampa High School in 1967. After graduation, she attended Idaho State University for one year during which time she contracted chicken pox from her beloved nephews, David and Darrell, and spent some time in dorm quarantine. Sister Marlene rescued her to spend most of the quarantine at her and her husband's home in Pocatello.

She loved horses and participating in the Snake River Stampede parade. One year after Dad Otto sold her and Marlene's quarter horses, Marsha got a thoroughbred (not the most "stable" of horses). Marsha was lined up for the parade, a car backfired causing the horse to rear. Not expecting this, Marsha was bucked off with the horse falling on her, breaking her collar bone.

Marsha had several other mishaps growing up, but, all in all, a fine childhood. She loved her dolls. In the video, if you attend the memorial service, you will see a few pictures of Marsha hugging and cherishing her dolls, and an endearing picture of Marsha and Marlene admiring the newest addition to the family, Marla.

In December, 1969, Marsha married Grant Leroy Roberts in Nampa where they made their first home prior to moving to a small farm south of Caldwell in 1972 across the Snake River from Marsing. In 1971, Marsha and Grant became the proud parents of their daughter Michele. After the unexpected death of Grant's brother Gary, their family increased by three more girls, Tanya, Kelly and Becky. Grant and Marsha gave these nieces a much needed home and the girls became more like daughters. The girls were only ages three to ten at this difficult time.

Marsha began her banking career at Idaho First National Bank which became West One and then US Bank. She then later worked for Triad Leasing.

Marsha had a special affection for bowling which she participated in for many years and was also League Secretary, even after she stopped bowling. She was active in planning her high school reunions, was their treasurer, enjoying that camaraderie and their monthly luncheons. She was an avid member, along with Grant, of the Draft Horse Club where she wrote their newsletter.

Being fond of car racing is putting it lightly. She truly enjoyed watching the stockcar races at Meridian where she proudly cheered on daughter Michele and son-in-law Rich, and never missed seeing a race. That fondness of car racing extended to NASCAR where her favorite driver from the beginning of our family/friends competition, about ten years ago, was the great Jimmie Johnson - only fitting that at this time, he won the 2016 championship as well as his 7th NASCAR championship. As Marsha would say, "Go, Jimmie, Go!"

Marsha is lovingly remembered by daughters Michele (Rich) Lawson, Tanya (Jason Hoffman-Lampman and Becky Roberts. Grandchildren Heather (Bill) Turner, Hilary (Brian) Galligan, Michael Williams, Megan (Todd) Williams-Henry, Garrett Lampman, Chloe Lampman, Macie Lampman, Michael Ames, Dominick Roberts, Gracie Sharpe and Jacob Sharpe, six great grandsons - Desmond, George, Adam, Grant, Scott and Liam; sisters Marlene Riplinger (Zee Ray Anderson), Marla (Michael) Rue; nephews David Covert, Darrell (Janine) Covert, Adam Rue; niece Andrea (Blaine)Holom, Uncle Arnold (twin to Marsha's mother), Aunt Naomi Spielman, and the Lawson family.

Marsha is predeceased by her husband, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and most recently daughter/niece Kelly Roberts.

Everyone is welcome to share memories of Marsha during her Celebration of Life at 2:00 P.M. Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So., Nampa, Idaho 83651.

Everyone who knew and loved Marsha is asked to celebrate her life in your own way and know she loved you too.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity

 Service Information