Mary Ruth Knippers

Roberts

On November 10, 2026, Mary Ruth Roberts passed away at her home in Provencal while surrounded by her family. 

Mary Ruth was born on January 7, 1942 to Effie and Clifford Knippers. As a very young child, she lost her hearing due to an illness, but rarely let that get in her way during her 84 years here on Earth. She grew up close with her brother, Reuben, and they found their way into all kinds of mischief and mayhem - much to their parents’ chagrin. 

She attended Provencal High School and married Marcus Leslie Roberts. After losing their first child, Bonnie, shortly after childbirth, they had four more children: Barbara, Brenda, Bethel, and Barney. She never wavered in providing them with what they needed and they always felt loved and cared for. 

From babies to teens, Mary Ruth always loved taking care of children. Whether she was in the church nursery on Sundays, watching her grandchildren during the week so their parents could work, or babysitting for local families, she loved being surrounded by little ones. Many years later, she would lose two of her daughters, Barbara and Bethel, a heartbreak that stayed with her for the rest of her life. 

During her final years, Mary Ruth enjoyed watching cooking shows and her daytime TV. The Price is Right, the Young and the Restless, and General Hospital were not to be missed. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, Belle, who also became an important part of her caregiving during the last couple of years.. She was especially proud of her other two grandchildren, Selena and Caleb. “Gmaw’s” house was always full of laughter when they were all together with her. 

Mary Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and daughters: Barbara Roberts and Bethel Roberts. She leaves behind daughter, Brenda Roberts of Provencal; her son, Barney Roberts and wife, Crystal of Shreveport; her grandchildren: Belle Glenn, Selena Wester (Robin), and Caleb Wester of Provencal; and two special great-grandchildren: Easton Sandifer and Vivien Hamby.

 A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 1:00 at Provencal Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Barney Roberts, Caleb Wester, Easton Sandifer, Robin Hamby, and Brian Glenn. 

The family would like to send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Elara Caring Home Health for the love and exceptional care they provided over the last few years. We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Hospice of Natchitoches. To Joie, Jeanette, Raven, Lacey, Melissa, Dominick, Jessica, and Kasey - because of your dedication, gentleness, and unwavering support, Mom was able to remain in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the people and things she loved the most. You cared for her with such tenderness and treated our family with kindness and understanding during an incredibly difficult time. We will always be thankful for the difference you all made in her final months of life. 

Oh, Mama! I hope when you opened your eyes, the first thing you saw were your daughters you loved and missed so very much. I pray that you are able to stand with strong legs that can carry you anywhere you want to go. I hope you can finally hear birds singing and music playing and the sounds of joy and laughter. We love you, Mama. Forever and always.