Lillian (Horvat) Roberts

Lillian (Horvat) Roberts, age 97, passed away peacefully on August 1st in Westminster, Colorado, surrounded by the love of her family.

Lillian was born on January 14, 1928, in Durango, Colorado, at Ochsner Hospital (now Gable House), to Melvin and Inez Olson. She was raised on her family’s farm near Ignacio alongside her six siblings, where she learned the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion—qualities that would define her entire life.

After graduating from Ignacio High School, Lillian went on to study at Fort Lewis College in Hesperus and later pursued her calling in nursing at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. She earned her RN diploma in 1950 and returned to Durango to begin her nursing career at Mercy Hospital, where her compassionate spirit found its perfect home. It was there she met her first husband, Jerry Horvat. They were married 42 years and together, built a beautiful life and raised five children in Durango. Lillian worked at Mercy Hospital for 35 years, retiring in 1985 after a long and dedicated career caring for others.

After Jerry’s passing in 1992, Lillian moved to Farmington to be closer to family. In 2002, she found companionship again when she married Smitty Eoff. Though their time together was brief, it was filled with joy and mutual care. Later, she met and married Les Roberts, with whom she shared ten very happy years dancing and traveling before his passing in 2017. A gifted and compassionate nurse, she lovingly provided end-of-life care not only to her parents but also to all three of her husbands—an extraordinary testament to her strength and selflessness.

In her final years, Lillian lived in Westminster with her daughter, continuing to be a steady presence of love and wisdom for her family.

Lillian was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave endlessly to those around her. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—reading, softball games, dancing, travel, gardening and most of all, spending time with her large and loving family. She especially loved playing card games and dominoes with her family and friends, where laughter and friendly competition were always part of the fun. She often said her favorite things were “birds, bees, flowers, and butterflies,” a reflection of her gentle, nurturing soul.

She is deeply missed by all who knew her.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Frances Greene, her brother Robert Olson, and her three husbands: Jerry Horvat, Smitty Eoff, and Les Roberts.

She is survived by her siblings: Mary Heaton, Phyllis Lewis, Patsy Wright (Larry), and Richard Olson (May). Her children: Bob Horvat (Kim), Ed Horvat (Sue), Lauretta Oudeman (Kim), Jim Horvat, and Pat Horvat (Denise) . Her grandchildren: Bryan Horvat (Krystal), Collin Horvat (Wendi), Drew Oudeman, Sam Oudeman (Codi), Autumn Horvat (Matt), and Noelle Vela. Her great-grandchildren: Parker Vela, Oliver Horvat, and Kennedy Horvat. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Services will be held on Saturday August 23rd at 10 am at St. Columba Church in Durango.