Roberta “”Kay”” Adams
FORT COLLINS, COLORADO — Roberta Kay (Blackwell) Adams, 86, passed away on October 6, 2011 in Fort Collins, Colo.
Born August 13, 1925 in Bonne Terre, Mo., she was the only child born to Roy Aquila Blackwell and Pearl Bertha (Lesser) Blackwell. Known as ‘Bobbie Kay’ to those close to her, Kay’s fondest memories were family gatherings at her grandparents farm and the childhood friendships she would maintain and cherish for a lifetime. Upon graduating high school in 1944, she moved to St. Louis where she trained and worked as a secretary for several years. It was here she met and married her husband, William Mansfield Adams in August, 1955.
Bill and Kay loved to travel, and over the next two decades, the family lived in Missouri, Italy, California, Hawaii, Colorado and Japan. Bill’s work as a geophysicist and Kay’s love for the islands drew them back to Hawaii where they settled for many years. Friends and colleagues who knew her experienced the international flavor of her cuisine and admired her for her devotion as a wife and mother.
In later years, she returned to family and friends in Bonne Terre, where she dedicated herself to volunteering at the local library and hospital. Her commitment to educating the community touched all who knew her and her love for helping those in need earned her the position as President of the Hospital Auxiliary. Kay’s final years in Missouri included memorable trips throughout the Midwest and nightly card games with friends and relatives. She will always be remembered for her enduring love of family, friends and of course her cats. Kay was a true lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
A private family service has been held in Fort Collins and an interment will be scheduled at a later date at Bonne Terre Cemetery in Bonne Terre, MO.
Kay is survived by her three sons and their wives: William M. and Debra Adams, Jr., Tacoma, Wash., Jonathan B. and Lori Adams , San Jose, Calif., Christopher D. and Cindy Adams, Fort Collins, Colo. and six grandchildren: Arthur, Audrey (Mike), Alicia, Jacob (Mariana), Holly and Erin Bradley.
