Wapakoneta;        Danelda Sue Roberts, 87, of Wapakoneta formerly of Spencerville, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024 in her home outside of Wapakoneta.

She was born on January 24, 1937 on the family farm in Van Wert county, a daughter of Clarence L. and G. Marcille (Zimmerman) Whetstone, who are deceased. On February 5, 1955, she married Paul J. "Jim" Roberts, who passed away on November 2, 2023 and together they had 17 children. Raising 17 children was more than a full-time job, but once the kids were grown, she worked as a laundry aide at Roselawn Manor in Spencerville for over 15 years.

Danelda enjoyed reading, gardening, playing solitare, fishing and puzzles. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by sixteen children, William (Sheryl) Roberts of Mendon, Joseph (Diane) Roberts of Spencerville, Carl (Mary) Roberts of Spencerville, Diane Schnell of Fairborn, Mark (Sharon) Roberts of Spencerville, Jeff (Kim) Roberts of Ashville, Janet (Dave) Ball of Spencerville, Kenny (Tammy) Roberts of Spencerville, Jane (Gary) Swint of Spencerville, Jean (Bob) Hasson of Spencerville, Paula (Denny) Veatch of Port St. Lucie, FL, Teresa (Doug) Stout of Spencerville, Pamela (Scott) Brown of Spencerville, Dennis (Tabitha) Roberts of Greenville, Andy (Tennile) Roberts of Spencerville, Carol (Bryan) Seffernick of Celina; thirty-six grandchildren; fourty-eight great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; one sister, Neita (Gene) Border of Cridersville; one sister-in-law, Janet Whetstone of Spencerville; and several nieces and nephews. Danelda was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul "Jim" Roberts; son, Timothy; grandchild, Loren; great grandchild Joseph; three siblings, Vonda (Max) McMichael, Edward "Eddie" Whetstone, and Gene Whetstone.

There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. with her wake service starting at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Spencerville with Father Hunyor officiating. Burial will take place following the service at Spencerville Cemetery. Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville is caring for Danelda and her family. In honor of Danelda, preferred memorials may be given to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Mary's.