Tribute to Buckley preacher and her "deep and sincere Christian faith"

Clare Roberts (nee Roden), formerly a preacher in the Buckley and Deeside Methodist Circuit, passed away aged 92.

In their tribute, the family detailed her work and commitment: "Clare will be remembered by many people in Buckley and the surrounding area as a local preacher in the Methodist Circuit, a position she held for over 62 years, until increasing frailty led to her retirement aged 89 years.

"She had a deep and sincere Christian faith which shone through her life.

"Clare was accredited as a local preacher in 1956, having taken a correspondence course to pass her exams. She studied the Old and New Testaments in detail, as well as the sermons of John Wesley - no mean achievement for someone whose formal education ended at the age of 14.

"She was in great demand to lead services in Methodist chapels in the Buckley and Deeside area, as well as churches of other denominations. She also undertook other Christian work, being a Sunday School teacher in her younger days.

"She was a representative at the Cytun (Churches Together, in Buckley) meetings, where her wisdom and insight were appreciated.

"She was the President of the Buckley World Day of Prayer committee, organising an annual service of prayer and praise. She was much respected as a preacher, and her faith and dedication were an inspiration to others."

The family shared Clare's love of walking (when she was more active), trips out, socialising with family and friends, and holidays.

Family continued to be important to Clare throughout her life.

Clare and Ivor Roberts on their Golden Wedding Anniversary

Her loved ones continued: "Clare was a much loved mum, grandma, great-grandma and sister.

"She had an impact on the lives of many people and was cherished by everyone who knew her.

"She was part of a large family, being the fifth child of eight, born to Emma and Dick Roden of Rose Lane, Mynydd Isa.

"She attended Bistre Church School in Buckley, where she met her future husband Ivor. They married in 1951 and enjoyed over 57 happy years together before Ivor's death in 2008.

"They had two children: Ivan, born in 1957 and Karen, born 1960.

"Clare and Ivor had a long and happy marriage, built on strong foundations of love and understanding. After Ivor's death, she lived alone with support from her daughter Karen and frequent visits from son Ivan.

"Clare remained close to her siblings all through their lives and they spent many happy times together, including coach holidays in this country and abroad.

"In later years, Clare was part of an informal family walking group; they met every week to walk until they were well into their 80s, with one of the favourite routes being the path to the top of Moel Famau.

"She was very proud of her grandchildren and loved to report their many achievements to friends and other members of the family."

Clare is survived by her two children Ivan and Karen; also Ivan's wife Sue and children Rachel, Ellie and Tom, and Karen's husband Arthur, son Daniel and step-daughter Laura.

Clare was thrilled to become a great-grandma earlier this year, when Laura gave birth to daughter Seren in June, and Ellie had a son Isaac in August.

She remained close to her two surviving sisters Doris Shepherd and Kathleen Howard.

Both Clare and Ivor came from large families and so there are many nieces, nephews and cousins who will remember her with great fondness.

The family concluded their tribute to Clare's life by reiterating her love of her beliefs and those around her.

They added: "The two most important things in Clare's life were her faith and her family. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was delighted when they visited.

"Despite her increasing frailty in recent years, Clare retained a positive attitude and always said she was thankful for the many blessings which had enriched her life.

"She still liked to get out and about, although trips to her beloved Moel Famau were now confined to looking at the view from the car park, followed by a bacon buttie at Loggerheads."

Even this year's pandemic failed to dampen Clare's spirits, with the family explaining: "Clare connected with people wherever she went; she had a warm, generous nature and a mischievous sense of humour.

"This year, she coped well with lockdown, although she missed attending chapel and her weekly visits to the hairdresser's.

"She loved chatting on the phone and kept in touch with lots of friends and family members.

"Clare will leave an enormous hole in the lives of the many people who knew and loved her."

• A private cremation will take place in January at Pentrebychan Crematorium, followed by a service of thanksgiving for her life and Christian witness at Buckley Cross Methodist Church.

No black clothes. Donations in lieu of flowers will be gratefully received for WaterAid, one of Clare's favourite charities. Enquiries to H.J.Williams and Sons on 01978 760200.