Sammy Roberts

Sammy Lee Roberts, 76, of Richmond, IN, died at home after a short illness on July 19, 2025.

Born in Richmond at Reid Hospital on April 3, 1949, Sam was the third child of Gaylen Roberts and Mildred Felty Roberts. He attended school in Richmond until his family moved to their farm near Whitewater. Active in school there, Sam played basketball, ran track, was a member of FFA, and a class officer. Though there was no yearbook mention of it, he was arguably the most handsome student—always neatly dressed and flashing his beautiful green eyes. He graduated from Whitewater-Fountain City School in 1967.

A bright light has gone out of our lives.

Sam was a man of few words and a love of sharp cars, particularly Dodges (including a purple ’69 Charger and a green ’71 Super Bee), dogs, and hard work. His career was at Belden, where he retired after 44 years in shipping, but he worked equally hard on a small farmstead he had for a time in Whitewater, and later in his yard and garden in Richmond. Perhaps a farmer at heart, Sam loved helping his sister Jean and his nephew/close buddy, Jim, drill beans and work on equipment on their farm.

As a child, he spent a lot of time with his grandmother, Hazel Jennings Roberts, on the Whitewater farm where he explored the woods and creek and played in the sandpile. Though he grew into a respectable adult, when he was very young and adults were elsewhere, he entertained himself by filling the kitchen cabinets with shaving foam, squeezing toothpaste all over the bathroom, and trimming his blond curls with grass clippers. Fortunately, he was cute as a button and easy to forgive.

In 1995, Sam married Marla McNutt Stigleman, and the two lived in Richmond for the last 30 years. He loved his pets over the years, particularly his Schnauzer Katie and Sophie the Bichon Frisé who was his best friend, his “pretty girl,” and who was always by his side, including in his bed during his illness. His sisters, Judy and Jean, were with him almost daily the last few weeks of his life, as well as his nephew Jim and Jim’s wife, Traci, who took care of all of his needs (with the help of her staff, caregivers Penny, Julie, and Rhonda).

Though Sam had no children of his own, there is no shortage of people, including the younger generations, who loved and are grieving him. A loving brother & brother-in-law, and generous and quietly caring uncle, great uncle, and great-great uncle, Sam will be deeply missed by many.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother, Gale Gene Roberts, and his brothers-in-law Jim Austerman and Tom Daugherty.

He is survived by his wife, Marla Roberts, sisters Judy (Val) Roberts Jennings, Jean Austerman (Gary Harris), sisters-in-law Mara Jan Daugherty and Jama Lynn (Tom) McKee, and nephews and nieces: Jim (Traci) Austerman II, Ben (Jessica) Austerman, Beth Slattery (Rick Malleus), Randy (RoseEllen) Roberts, Rachelle Roberts, Rocky (Stacey) Roberts, and Rob (Danielle) Roberts. Special great nieces and nephews to whom he was very close include: Nick (Emalee) Austerman, Jacob Austerman (Paige Smedley), Madison Austerman, Conner Austerman, and Conner Oakerson, as well as very special great-great nephew and niece, R.J. Austerman and Holly Austerman. He will also be missed by his stepchildren, Lara (Jeff) Tucker and Todd Stigleman, step-grandchildren, and step nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a special thanks to Guardian at Home and the Reid Hospice Staff.

At his request, there will be a private family graveside service at a later date. Donations can be made to Help the Animals of Richmond: 2101 W Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374.