Robert Roberts

Age 68, of Kalamazoo, passed away in his home on October 31, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born in Senatobia, MS, the son of the late Lim Reed Jr. and Dorothy N. Roberts. He grew up in the south and would eventually move to Michigan to be closer to family. Bill was kind, loving and had a strong sense of family and friends. He worked hard, was handy and could fix nearly anything. When not working he was passionate about sports, loved listening to music, especially Al Green, had a wonderful singing voice and enjoyed playing cards and the lotto. He loved the serenity of being outdoors working in his garden; enjoyed cooking and was always happy to have a gathering with family and friends. His spitfire attitude always made Bill memorable to spend time with and he never met a person he wouldn’t help. Above all Bill loved his family and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind wonderful memories of a life well lived. On August 10, 2006, he married his longtime companion, Linda S. Ballentine who survives. He is also survived by three children, Christina (Andrae) Watson, Jason (Briana Bell) Ballentine, Robert “Bubba” (Katelyn VandenBerg) Ballentine; grandchildren, Landon and LaMar Watson, Makenna Ballentine, Khloe and Kyrie Ballentine; six sisters and four brothers; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was also preceded in passing by his special grandparents, Levi (Velma) Roberts; brothers, Soul and Jim Roberts; brother-in-law, Mark Ballentine; father-in-law, Mike Ritter; “bonus dad” Walter Walls.