View Video Tribute Viola Elaine Roberts, 78, of Keokuk, IA, died Thursday, October 7, 2010 at the Keokuk Area Hospital in Keokuk, IA. She was born on December 14, 1931 in Keokuk, IA, the daughter of Gordon and Kathryn Laisle Brownlee. On October 30, 1948 Viola was united in marriage to Ernest Gene Roberts in Kahoka, MO. He preceded her in death on April 27, 1973. Viola had been employed at Sheller Globe in Keokuk for thirty-nine years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 40 in Kahoka, the Royal Neighbors and the USWA Local 444 and Retiree's Club. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, reading and playing the slot machines. She was a loving mother and grandmother and her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She is survived by one daughter Sharlene Peterson and her husband Pete of Davenport, IA, one son, Ralph Roberts and his wife Oneda of Keokuk, six grandchildren, Scott Roberts, Breezy Roberts, Clayton Elam, Jeanne Elam, Nancy Elam and Matthew Elam, five great-grandchildren, Kyle Elam, Benjamin Elam, Hank Elam, Hannah Elam and Xylia Roberts. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her longtime friend, Norman Allen. Memorial services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 11, 2010 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA. Burial was in the Sandusky cemetery in rural Keokuk. Memorials may be made to the New Testament Christian Church in Keokuk.