Lorena Elizabeth Roberts – age 106 went to heaven on Wednesday, October 2, 2013. She was born on August 18, 1907 to Amandus Augustus Einspahr and Ida Nienhueser Einspahr in her parent’s farmhouse in Juniata, Nebraska. She was baptized at the Wanda-Juniata Lutheran Church in Juniata, Nebraska. Her sisters Loretta, Orletha, and Ruby followed. A vivid memory of her early years was the train trip taken from Nebraska to California when she was 10 years old. At the age of 12 her mother died suddenly in Nebraska. Shortly afterwards the decision was made to permanently move to Orange, California. She and her sisters attended St. John’s Lutheran Church and School where she was confirmed. The Bible verse she remembers and holds dear to her heart comes from Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Upon graduation from 8th grade she went to Orange High School for one year. She then joined the working world making $0.33/per hour, which was about $16.00/per week. She contributed $5.00/per week to her parents for room and board.

In 1930, she met the man of her dreams Ray B. Roberts, a native of Orange. They were married on December 11, 1930, at her home church, St. John’s Lutheran. Lorena and Ray moved into their first home on Santiago Street in Santa Ana on the family’s orange ranch. On January 30, 1932, their first child, Phyllis Rae Roberts was born. Four years later on May 29, 1936, Elizabeth Ann Roberts (Betty) was born. Then, Donald Engel Roberts was born on Phyllis’ birthday in 1945.

Lorena was a very hardworking woman who enjoyed cooking, canning, and sewing to name a few of her talents. She was a supportive wife to Ray, who worked for Fluor Company for several years; and then became a full-time rancher in Orange. As a family, they enjoyed traveling up to the mountains and to the desert regions where they enjoyed fishing, hunting and exploring. During the summer months, day trips to Newport and Laguna beaches were enjoyed. In their later years, they enjoyed traveling in their Alaskan camper to Alaska and around the United States fishing and camping in secluded spots.

In 1954, the first grandchild was born, Andrew Ray Katnik. Over the course of eighteen years ten additional grandchildren were added to the fold. Being a grandmother was very important to Lorena. Fond memories come to mind of the many family celebrations and gatherings over the course of her lifetime: holidays, births, confirmations, graduations, many football games, weddings, birthdays, etc. She loved a party!

In 1972, Lorena and Ray moved from their beloved ranch to Mission Viejo. Shortly after the move, Ray passed away after 42 years of marriage. She was an active member at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Forest, CA. She was involved in the Braille ministry, Ladies’ Guild and Altar Guild. Her faithful service has been an inspiration and example to many.

As a devoted mother she enjoyed watching her family grow. Her legacy lives on with ten grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and thirteen great-great grandchildren. When a baby arrived she was called the “human bassinette”. In addition, she spent her time traveling to many places throughout the world. She continued her volunteer work and gardening. She led a very full and blessed life.

God has richly blessed our lives with Lorena Elizabeth Roberts.
Well done good and faithful servant!

Her funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Sunday October 6, 2013 at Waverley Chapel, Santa Ana, CA.