Obituary for Roberta Ruth First Delamarter

Roberta Ruth First Delamarter was born on January 28, 1932, daughter of Ruth Peterson and Luke Kelly. She grew up in Okemos, Michigan attending Okemos Consolidated Schools and Okemos Community Church. She graduated in a class of 21 students.

She attended Michigan State College where she graduated as a Home Ec. Teacher. She loved teaching and taught high school, adult education and quilting. All through her life she was continually teaching and constantly learning, honing any new skill possible.

In June of 1955, she married John First. They had 3 children. While raising small children and farming she realized how much Jesus loved her and will always praise him for His love and many blessings. She was a woman who loved God and her family deeply.

In August of 2003, she married Gordon Delamarter. They had grown up together in Okemos, always attending the same church and school. Roberta was a city girl who turned into an international traveler. She lived in both New Delhi, India and Kabul, Afghanistan and traveled all over the world more than once. Later she kept the international outreach alive by hosting numerous exchange students and supporting international community missions. Church missions, 4H and FFA were three of her passions.

She embraced the love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Besides her 3 children, Jean E. (Lloyd) Sutton, Daniel L. (Margie) First and Susan R. (Richard) Wilson, she is survived by 9 grandchildren of which she is very proud of, Susan E. Sutton Bock, Levi G. Sutton, Matthew K. Sutton, K. Jeanetta Sutton Laudermilk, Natalie J. Bolyard, Lindsey A. First Martin (Nick), Joshua P. First (Kylie), Laura J. Wilson Koch (Aaron), Danielle R. Wilson (Matthew Nowka). She is also survived by 17 beautiful great grandchildren, dearly loved.

“Jesus is all the world to me! I’m so glad I invited Jesus into my life when I was younger. He has opened doors in my life that I would never have dreamed of. I praise Him every day. What a joy and freedom this is! In so many ways the Lord has really blessed my life. I feel His Love every day and I want this freedom and love for everyone.” ~Roberta

A Memorial Service honoring Roberta will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026 at LeValley United Methodist Church, 4018 Kelsey Highway, Ionia. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.