Feb. 28, 1926 — July 11, 2025
Grace “Lenore” McMillan Roberts, 99, of Medford, Oregon, passed away July 11, 2025. “Aunt Lenore” was born Feb. 28, 1926, in Hageman, Idaho, to Ross and Sarah McMillan.
She earned a degree in education, with a minor in music and taught in Bonanza, Oregon, until September 1958, when she enlisted in the Army. She quickly advanced through the ranks and earned her masters in guidance and counseling. Aunt Lenore was proud of her military accomplishments. Her first assignment was at the Presidio of San Francisco, where she later commanded the WAC company. She was the first woman commandant of an army school and Women’s Army Corp co-commander of U.S. Army-Europe, after attending rigorous CBR training (chemical, biological and radiation).
Aunt Lenore married Delbert Wayne “Robby” Roberts in 1962. They traveled to military bases around the world until she retired, as full colonel, in 1980. They settled in El Paso, Texas, upon retirement. There, Aunt Lenore took the H & R Block accounting course and worked as a tax consultant until she was 80. Upon the death of her husband, she moved to Southern Oregon to spend time with her sisters and their families. She was happiest while visiting and playing cards with those she loved.
Aunt Lenore had no children, but she loved spending time with her sisters and her many nieces and nephews, along with their extended families. She was able to record each birthday and sent personal cards each year. Before her death, she was sending out over 115 cards per year, each signed “Love and Prayers, Aunt Lenore.”
Lenore is survived by her sister Jessie (Ed) Carte and will join her husband Robby and her three sisters, Vera McMillan, Mary (Gene) Morris, and Mabel (Wally) Ward in heaven. Heartfelt thanks to her loving care givers, Michelle and Monica, who were tireless in their care and became dear friends. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Ashland Bible Church, 400 Dead Indian Memorial Road in Ashland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Salvation Army, Ashland Bible Church and Samaritans Purse.
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