Cover photo for Arlene Nicholson Roberts's Obituary
Arlene Nicholson Roberts Profile Photo
1923 Arlene 2020

Arlene Nicholson Roberts

December 6, 1923 — February 18, 2020

Arlene Nicholson Roberts, 96, died peacefully at her granddaughter's home in Vista, Calif., on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29 at First Baptist Church, Moline. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline.  Memorials may be made to the church.

Arlene Lucille Riggs was born December 6, 1923, in Monmouth, Ill., to Cecil Claude Riggs and Edith Marie Christiansen.  She joined her sister, Jean, in the family and later welcomed brother Robert, both now deceased.

Growing up, Arlene moved frequently around Illinois, living in Belvedere, Rockford, and Galesburg, before the family settled in Moline.

In 1940, Arlene met Clifford Nicholson.  They were engaged on Dec. 6, 1941, and married in Moline on Nov. 8, 1942.  In 1948, the Nicholsons welcomed daughter Patricia into their family.  Three years later, son William was born. He died in infancy.

Arlene worked as a secretary at a law office. In 1958, she began a career with United Airlines, transferring to San Diego in 1978.  She retired in 1984, and the Nicholsons moved to Oceanside, Calif., in 1986.

An avid traveler, Arlene saw much of Europe and Asia.  She was particularly proud to have taken a trip around the world and to have invited a United States senator to attend church with her family.

After Cliff's death in 1999, Arlene married Lee Roberts in 2002.  He died in 2016.  Arlene spent many of her years caring for others, including her parents, daughter, and husbands in the final stages of their lives.  She leaves a legacy of gentle, loving service to those around her.

Arlene is survived by her granddaughter, Christina (Bill) Murray, of Vista, California; grandson, Paul (Shauna) Smith and great-grandsons, Alex, Tyler, Tanner, and Connor, of West Valley City, Utah.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene Nicholson Roberts, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Starts at 2:00 pm

First Baptist Church (Moline)

1901 29th Street, Moline, IL 61265

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