April 10, 1943-April 1, 2023
Gale Wyatt Roberts, age 79, passed from this life on April 1, 2023. He was born in Elkmont, Alabama, on April 10, 1943, to Joseph W. and Annie Lee Birdsong Roberts. His family then moved to Cedar City, Utah, in 1946. It was in Cedar that Gale was raised and spent most of his life. He was proud to grow up in “Dog Town” and claimed that title his entire life.
He graduated from Cedar High School in 1961 where he excelled at track. Shortly after graduating high school, Gale moved to Salt Lake and attended Stevens-Henagar College. He moved to Oregon for a few years before returning home to Cedar. He met the love of his life and eternal companion, Lana Topham, and they were married on Aug. 6, 1973. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple. He and Lana were faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and later served a mission at the Home Storage Center.
After Gale and Lana were married, they managed the Zion Motel for several years. Gale then spent the remainder of his working years in the grocery industry working for Albertsons and Fresh Market. This is where Gale formed long-lasting friendships and relationships with co-workers, and customers alike. In fact, everyone in town seemed to always know him as the tall guy who worked at Albertsons. He loved seeing the daily and weekly customers as he managed the front end of the store and also worked as a cashier.
Gale was an avid bowler and golfer. He bowled in various leagues until his last back surgery. He then turned to golf and could be found on the golf course five days a week after retiring. He met new friends on the course and after his physical health forced him off the course, he missed those friendships dearly. He was a true sports fan and would watch just about anything on TV. However, he especially loved baseball and his New York Yankees. If he wasn’t watching sports, he could always be found talking sports with his kids.
Gale loved his family deeply and was extremely proud of each of his children. He will be missed by his loving wife Lana; his children Allan (Stephanie) Roberts; Jeff (Danielle) Roberts; Stacie (Ryan) Peterson; Tennile (Jeramy) Manwaring; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his brother Wayne Roberts. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services for Gale will be held Saturday, April 8, at 11 a.m. Viewings will be held Friday, April 7, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 8, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Rock Church, 75 E Center, Cedar City Utah. Burial will be in the Paragonah Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers from Zion’s Way Home Health and Hospice-Cedar City for the care shown to Gale.
A special acknowledgment to Anna for the service and compassion that she gave to Gale.