William G. "Bill" Roberts

William G. "Bill" Roberts

1945 to 2014

William G. "Bill" Roberts, 68, died at his home west of Peetz, Colo. on Jan. 15, 2014.

Bill was born in Sterling on June 5, 1945, to David and Lena (Storts) Roberts. He attended school in Peetz, and while his adventures on the rodeo circuit, and his jobs as a cowboy took him to many places across the West, he always called Peetz home.

After a stint with the oil field, Bill's life revolved around working cattle and managing feedlots in Colorado, Nevada, Nebraska and Kansas. For several years he worked as a mail carrier for the Peetz Post Office, as a cook and bartender at the Hot Spot, and as a security officer for Blattner Construction when the wind turbines were being built in the Peetz area.

Bill married Janice Sloan on Nov. 16th, 1978, in Sterling and they had one son, James.

Bill loved to read; his knowledge of the Old West and rodeo history made him an often sought after consultant for writers and historians, especially Gail Woerner. He loved rodeo, children and animals, playing poker with his buddies, and telling stories.

Bill is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Meick of Peetz; brother, Donald Roberts (Rose) of Windsor; son, James (Nichole) Roberts of Loveland and grandsons, Ben and Brody; sister-in-law, Maria Roberts and nephews, Chris (Ashley) and Sam Roberts. Bill was beloved by an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Lena; brothers, Gerald, Ras, and Bob, sister-in-law, Valda; and nephew, Nick Roberts. There will be a memorial celebration of Bill's life on Sun., Jan. 26, at 3 p.m. at the Hot Spot in Peetz. All who knew and loved him are invited to attend.